The Science Behind the AuDHD Brain
Have you ever felt like your brain is stuck in a tug-of-war? One part craves novelty, movement, and social buzz… while another part begs for quiet, routine, and predictability. If that sounds familiar, you’re not broken. You might just be AuDHD — autism and ADHD showing up together.
For years, people thought you could only be diagnosed with one or the other. In fact, until 2013 the diagnostic manuals didn’t allow both labels. But now research is clear: autism and ADHD overlap far more often than chance, and when they do, they don’t simply “add up.” AuDHD brains often create a unique profile of their own.
In this post, I want to share what science tells us about AuDHD brain dynamics and genetics — and how this knowledge can actually make daily life easier.
What Does “AuDHD” Mean?
“AuDHD” is a community term for when autism and ADHD traits appear together in the same person. Research suggests that around 38–40% of autistic people also meet criteria for ADHD — and some studies show even higher numbers.
This isn’t a trend or a social media invention. It’s a real, measurable overlap that clinicians once weren’t even allowed to name. And understanding it can be the key to self-compassion.
Brain Dynamics: How Networks Talk to Each Other
Think of your brain as three main “teams” passing the ball back and forth:
Default Mode Network (DMN) — the daydream team, active when your mind wanders. Salience Network (SN) — the referee, deciding what’s important and when to switch focus. Central Executive Network (CEN) — the task team, handling planning, working memory, and problem-solving.
In ADHD, the daydream team doesn’t quiet down when the task team needs to work — making attention feel leaky. In autism, the daydream team often shows unusual patterns, especially around social thinking.
And in AuDHD? Research shows brains often develop a unique profile. The referee may struggle to choose what’s important, signals between teams may flow differently, and the result is that no two AuDHD brains look exactly alike.
This is why you might feel constantly pulled between tasks, or scatter under stress even when you want to focus. It’s not weakness — it’s wiring.
Brain Chemistry: Craving and Overwhelm at the Same Time
Two key chemistry stories help explain the AuDHD paradox:
Dopamine differences (often linked to ADHD) can make you seek novelty, buzz, and momentum. Glutamate/GABA balance (often linked to autism) can tilt toward “too much activation, not enough calming down.” That’s why lights, sounds, or social input can feel overwhelming.
Put these together and you get the “push–pull” feeling: craving stimulation and feeling overstimulated, all at once.
Genetics: Why AuDHD Runs in Families
Large genetic studies confirm what families have known for years: autism and ADHD often travel together. Many of the same genetic variants influence both conditions. Some genes overlap, others differ — which explains why traits can look similar in some ways and very different in others.
This isn’t destiny, but it does explain why parents often recognise themselves when their child is assessed, or why siblings share overlapping traits.
What This Means for Everyday Life
Here’s where science meets reality:
Motivation & Meltdowns → You may crave novelty and drive, but also desperately need predictability and calm. Time-boxed bursts of activity followed by sensory recovery breaks can help. Executive Function → Planning, memory, and transitions may work differently depending on sleep, stress, and environment. Tools like reminders, colour-coding, or batching similar tasks can reduce “switching costs.” Sensory Systems → Overload sets your ceiling. The more sensory input you manage, the less energy you have left for patience, planning, or focus. Sensory aids (earplugs, sunglasses, stim toys) aren’t luxuries — they’re assistive tools for your nervous system. Self-Compassion → Remember: until 2013, AuDHD wasn’t even diagnosable. If you’re grieving the “what ifs,” that’s valid. Understanding your brain is the first step to working with it, not against it.
Resources to Support You
If you’re on this journey, whether you’re waiting for assessment, newly diagnosed, or supporting a teen, you don’t have to figure it out alone. I’ve created tools that many in our community have found helpful:
✨ Free Resource:
GP Appointment Script Pack → Ready-to-use scripts for explaining your struggles and asking for referrals. Perfect if you freeze in appointments or downplay your needs. Download it free here .
📚 NEW Paid Resources (now available in the store):
Diagnosis Journey Journal (NEW!) → Track appointments, feelings, and reflections all in one place. A supportive companion for the diagnosis process. Mental Health Companion Ebook → Gentle strategies and affirmations for neurodivergent adults & teens when your brain feels heavy. Diagnostic Criteria Cheat Sheet → Breaks down what professionals look for in plain English. Symptom Trackers → Spot patterns in your daily experiences. UK Diagnosis Full Guide → Step-by-step walkthrough of the UK system.
Final Thoughts
AuDHD isn’t about being inconsistent, lazy, or “too much.” It’s about having a brain that runs on unique wiring, chemistry, and genetics. The science shows it’s real — and knowing that can be the start of giving yourself the compassion you deserve.
💜 Jess — That AuDHD Mum
Let’s make this space make sense for our brains.
