Living with both ADHD & autism

It's wild to me that just 10 years ago, you couldn't diagnose both ADHD and autism in the same person. Wow has medical science changed in just a decade...

When people ask me to describe what it's like living with both, it's really difficult to put into words. It truly feels like I have opposing forces, they both have different goals in mind, and they are pulling at my brain in opposite directions.

How I can crave routine and novelty at the same time is completely beyond me... but we do what we can.

Roll all to my AuDHDers: what does it feel like to have both? Does it work with or against you most days?

#lemon8partner #audhd #adhd #autism #adhder #neurodivergent #autisticwomen #adhdwomen

2024/8/25 Edited to

... Read moreLiving with both ADHD and autism, often referred to as AuDHD, presents unique challenges. Many individuals experience a constant tug-of-war between the traits of both conditions. ADHD tends to crave impulsivity, movement, and novelty, while autism may drive a preference for routine, predictability, and calm. Understanding these contrasting needs is essential for developing coping strategies. Families and friends of AuDHD individuals often wonder how they can best support them, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in approaches to daily life. Awareness of these struggles and an acceptance of the mixed signals can help improve communication and understanding between AuDHD individuals and their support networks. It is also crucial to recognize the evolving landscape of understanding regarding neurodiversity. The past decade has seen significant advancements in recognizing that ADHD and autism can coexist; thus, effective treatments should be holistic and tailored to the individual. Building a community that shares experiences can be incredibly empowering for those who navigate both conditions. Online forums and support groups can provide valuable insights and a sense of belonging, allowing individuals to express their struggles and triumphs in a safe space. Exploring various coping mechanisms, from creative outlets to mindfulness practices, can further enhance well-being for those living with AuDHD.

13 comments

BearSyrup's images
BearSyrup

please read and share

Vampire Kisses's images
Vampire Kisses

I hate routines, I have more ADHD in me than Autism. I have decided awhile ago ghat I have 90 percent ADHD and 10 percent Autism. I am very self aware, I always have been.

See more comments

Related posts

A Black woman with long curly hair, wearing a sparkly strapless mini-dress, stands in a room. The image has a text overlay "ADHD VS AUTISM NEURODIVERSITY GUIDE" and the Lemon8 logo with username @saintjennn.
A dark blue background with a list of 10 characteristics of ADHD, including craving new experiences, hyperactivity, and difficulty with social cues. The text "ADHD" is at the top, and the Lemon8 logo with @saintjennn is at the bottom.
A list of 10 characteristics of Autism, such as seeking repetitive routines, literal thinking, and sensory issues, displayed over a background of a person's legs in platform boots. The text "AUTISM" is at the top, and the Lemon8 logo with @saintjennn is at the bottom.
ADHD VS AUTISM
Your neurodivergency guide; we’re going to look at ADHD and Autism and see the difference between the both of them. Even though Autism and ADHD have similarities. There are a couple of things that make them different. Living with both Autism and ADHD and learning more about neurodivergence I can lo
jennifer 🍒

jennifer 🍒

115 likes

A tablet displaying an assignment and a laptop are shown on a desk, with text overlayed: "ADHD Study Tips! Study Tips For Neurodiverse Students!" The background is a blurred indoor setting.
Text on a blurred background explains the author's personal struggle with studying due to ADHD and Autism, and introduces the neurodivergent-friendly study tips that will be shared.
A green water bottle, a blue fidget roller, and a phone in a decorative case are displayed, illustrating tools for a focused study space. Text describes setting up a distraction-free environment.
📝 How to Study with ADHD
📚 Hey friends, today I’m sharing a few neurodivergent friendly study tips! Studying has never come naturally to me, and I struggle to stay focused for long periods of time. Here are some tools and techniques that I’ve found helpful for myself - I hope you can benefit from them too! #studytips
Ad 💌🌈🐀🛼🎨

Ad 💌🌈🐀🛼🎨

1133 likes

Adhd is so "Fun"
Did you expect me to say Autism and Adhd is a superpower? Pro's aside, let me tell you a bit about my life... Having Adhd sucks! Ok, imagine this, a girl who has anxiety and depression. So her life is both. "I can't get this done. I'm too tired, I have to get this done, or I'
Juno Lucita

Juno Lucita

8 likes

Living With ADHD ✨🧠🌿
In this post, I’m sharing a few professional tips and personal strategies that have helped me manage my symptoms. It’s not always easy, but there are ways to make life with ADHD more manageable. 🧠✨ Whether it’s finding the right treatment, using helpful tools like reminders, or just embracing the p
hxil3y

hxil3y

51 likes

The reality of living with ADHD
I feel like the midweek burnout hits the hardest… I’m a preschool teacher, and by mid week the unhinged chaos is in full swing. When I finally get home after the 3rd day of 8 hours worth of non-stop stimulation, my brain has no idea what to do. It’s not burnout, it’s like my brain just shuts do
Andrea Celine✨

Andrea Celine✨

94 likes

A black and white image of a daisy-like flower with the title text: 'Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Mother (with ADHD, Autism & CPTSD)'.
A black and white image of a shadowy figure standing in a foggy forest, illustrating the text: 'That being touched all day could make my nervous system feel physically painful'.
A steaming cup of tea on a wooden surface, accompanying the text: 'That I could love my children deeply... and still become overstimulated by constant noise'.
Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Mother(with ADHD, Autism & CPTSD)
Motherhood with ADHD, autism, and CPTSD can feel like loving your kids with your entire soul, while your nervous system quietly overloading in the background. There’s so much grief, overstimulation, beauty, guilt, tenderness, rage, softness, exhaustion, healing, and sensory overwhelm wrapped to
Katarina Scott ✨ ECA Tea 🫖

Katarina Scott ✨ ECA Tea 🫖

5 likes

Living with ADHD (when no one sees the struggle)✨
Some days, ADHD feels invisible. Not the kind that looks “cute” or “quirky”… The kind that means your brain is constantly buzzing, yet paralyzed at the same time. 💭 It’s: • Zoning out mid-conversation • Crying over “simple” tasks • Doing 100 things and finishing n
Taitertot22

Taitertot22

17 likes

Things I actually struggle with as an AuDHD person
AuDHD in women, specifically the part where you are highly capable and genuinely struggling at the same time, is something I don't think gets talked about honestly enough. The paradox that shows up most for me is being someone who thinks deeply about how to support my own brain while also being th
Bailey Pilant | ADHD Therapist

Bailey Pilant | ADHD Therapist

152 likes

A person sits on a sandy beach facing the ocean at sunset. Overlay text reads: "The Audhd experience is often described as being contradictory, and that's because it is." The image includes a "lemon8 @bailey.audhdtherapist" watermark.
A person sits on a sandy beach facing the ocean at sunset. Overlay text reads: "One part of you crave's novelty, stimulation, movement and dopamine. Another part of you needs predictability, routine and sensory control." The image includes a "lemon8 @bailey.audhdtherapist" watermark.
A person sits on a sandy beach facing the ocean at sunset. Overlay text reads: "You desperately want change and structure at the same time. You hyperfocus for hours only to crash into total shut down you oscillate between boredom and overwhelmed. It's very - ... little middle ground." The image includes a "lemon8 @bailey.audhdtherapist" watermark.
Living with two competing systems The Audhd Push - Pull
AuDHD isn’t inconsistency or poor self-management it’s the ongoing task of responding to two different nervous system pulls at once. When that complexity gets flattened into ideas like “just find balance” or “stick to a routine,” people end up blaming themselves for something that isn’t a charac
Bailey Pilant | ADHD Therapist

Bailey Pilant | ADHD Therapist

30 likes

ADHD & Sensory Overload: How to Manage It
⚡ ADHD & Sensory Overload: Why It Happens + How to Manage It ⚡ If you have ADHD, autism, or sensory sensitivities, you know how overwhelming daily life can feel: 👀 Lights feel too bright 🔊 Sounds feel too loud 🌸 Smells too strong 👕 Clothes too itchy/uncomfortable 👉 ADHD brains proce
SpicyNeuroMama

SpicyNeuroMama

22 likes

🌟 ADHD Awareness Month: Day 6 🌟
Hey Lemon8ers! 👋🏻 Happy Day 6 of ADHD Awareness Month! 🧡 Today, we're diving into some fantastic resources to help you or your loved ones navigate life with ADHD. Check them out:👇🏻 1. CHADD: Support, training, and resources for individuals, parents, and educators. [Visit CHADD](https://chadd
Grace D.

Grace D.

143 likes

Sharing your ADHD Diagnosis
The reality of high masking with ADHD or autism is that when everyone thinks you're fine, you're fighting battles they can't see. #highmasking #adhdwomen #undiagnosedadhd #neurospicy #adhdmasking
The Peaceful Navigator

The Peaceful Navigator

7 likes

📝 adhders need to try this digital routine!
Feeling scrambled in the mornings? I made a gentle, sensory-friendly worksheet to help ADHD/autistic brains start the day with more ease. 🌞 No toxic productivity. No pressure. Just support. Download it for free & build your own Morning Regulation Station 💛 #neurodivergent #adhdtool
Mellie

Mellie

243 likes

A smiling person in a pink cap holds a VCUarts acceptance letter, with text overlays reading "My BRUTALLY HONEST AuDHD College Experience" and "2019 Me," symbolizing the start of their college journey.
A list titled "Struggles:" details challenges faced during college, including time management, sensory issues, lack of accommodations, poor mental health, COVID impact, difficulty making friends, and dissatisfaction with their major.
A list titled "Successes:" outlines positive aspects of the college experience, such as gaining independence, enjoying studio art classes, receiving accommodations, making friends, and having only one semester left.
🎓 Getting Through College with ADHD and Autism
📆 After struggling through high school with mental health issues and undiagnosed neurodivergence, I started college at VCUarts in Fall 2019. I was excited to be living on my own for the first time, and to be studying something I was passionate about. The first semester went pretty well, and then th
Ad 💌🌈🐀🛼🎨

Ad 💌🌈🐀🛼🎨

464 likes

Living with both ADHD and Social anxiety be like..
#adhd #anxiety #socialanxiety #autistic #lgbtqiaplus
Alice Stickney

Alice Stickney

9 likes

A person performs barbell hip thrusts in a gym, demonstrating a key glute exercise. The image highlights "ADHD & Fitness GLUTE GAINS -SIMPLE-", connecting fitness with ADHD management.
This image visually explains three glute-building exercises: Hip Thrusts, Romanian Deadlifts, and Bulgarian Split Squats, using a combination of illustrations and photos to show proper form.
A collage of various foods categorized into Protein, Carbs, and Fats, including seafood, chicken, sweet potatoes, and avocado. It emphasizes nutritional choices for fitness, with a note that "Meal prep is your bestie".
Glute Gains 101: workouts, Nutrition, & ADHD Tips
Hello! 🌞 I'm here to share my personal journey to building strong, sculpted glutes while navigating the challenges of ADHD. As someone who's been through the ups and downs of fitness and mental health, I'm excited to pass on what I've learned to help you achieve your goals. I hav
Alena Artemenko

Alena Artemenko

151 likes

The ADHD Reset Plan: Calm, Regroup + Restart
⚡ The ADHD Reset Plan: Calm, Regroup + Restart ⚡ If you live with ADHD, autism, or are neurodivergent, you know how fast days can derail: 👉 Overstimulated + overwhelmed by chaos 👉 Forget to eat = hangry spiral 👉 Brain burnout from too many tasks at once Instead of shame or pushing harder,
SpicyNeuroMama

SpicyNeuroMama

13 likes

Nobody Talks About ADHD + Autism + CPTSD Enough
A lot of late-diagnosed neurodivergent people grew up believing they were “too much” and “not enough” at the exact same time. Too sensitive. Too emotional. Too intense. Too quiet. Too forgetful. Too reactive. Too different. But nobody talks enough about what happens when ADHD, autism, and t
Katarina Scott ✨ ECA Tea 🫖

Katarina Scott ✨ ECA Tea 🫖

11 likes

The image features the question 'Do I have ADHD, Autism, or Both?' in black text against a green watercolor background, with a coffee bean logo in the bottom right corner.
The image displays text asking if one has wondered about neurodivergence and the blurry lines between ADHD and autism, set against a light green background with a coffee bean logo.
The image explains that ADHD and autism often present differently in girls, AFAB people, and masked adults, leading to misdiagnosis, against a light green background.
Do I have ADHD, Autism, or both?
ADHD and autism aren’t always opposites—they can exist together, and their overlap is more common than we think. This post explores how those traits can show up, especially in adults who’ve masked their whole lives. If you’ve ever felt “too much,” “too scattered,” or “too sensitive”—you’re not alon
Avery Blu

Avery Blu

93 likes

Living Intentionally with ADHD
One day I decided to purge half of our belongings in order to help me save my mental health, and little did I know that so much more would come out of it. It’s important to cut the noise when we’re feeling overwhelmed #intentionalliving #lessismore #momof3 #simplehome #routines
Yeli.heidecker

Yeli.heidecker

397 likes

A child in a library reaching for a book on a high shelf, with text overlayed: 'PARENTING ADHD KIDS AS A CHRONICALLY OVERWHELMED NEURODIVERGENT'.
A child with curly hair looking into a wooden pen, with text overlayed: 'IT'S A CATCH 22 I'M NOT GOOD AT IMPLEMENTING SYSTEMS, YET WE ALL REQUIRE THEM TO FUNCTION.'.
A child sitting in a pumpkin patch, holding a cup, with text overlayed: 'ANOTHER CATCH 22 MY EMOTIONAL REGULATION IS NOT ALWAYS WHAT IT SHOULD BE, YET I'M TRYING TO TEACH THEM HOW TO REGULATE.'.
Parenting as an autistic ADHDer
Some might say, "if you're so overwhelmed, why did you have kids in the first place?" And truthfully? I had no idea I was autistic or ADHD before having children. How was I supposed to know I would be in a chronic state of overwhelm every day? And besides that, parents are allowed to
Calypso✨🌻

Calypso✨🌻

21 likes

Late-diagnosed AuDHD feels like living in a constant push-pull with yourself. You spend years adapting to fit in, only to realize you’ve lost track of what you actually need. Burnout becomes your normal, connection feels complicated, and structure feels both comforting and suffocating. If this sou
Bailey Pilant | ADHD Therapist

Bailey Pilant | ADHD Therapist

8 likes

ADHD + Autism + CPTSD Together Looks Like…
ADHD. Autism. CPTSD. Sometimes it feels like one part of you needs stimulation, one part needs predictability, and one part is scanning the room for danger. It can look like burnout disguised as laziness. Hypervigilance disguised as overthinking. Masking disguised as “being good with pe
Katarina Scott ✨ ECA Tea 🫖

Katarina Scott ✨ ECA Tea 🫖

6 likes

ADHD VS AUTISM
#adhd #adhdawareness #autisticadult #onthespectrum #embracevulnerability #unfiltered
InkedRNMomma

InkedRNMomma

38 likes

The overlap between Autism and ADHD
The Overlap Between Autism and ADHD 🤯 Ever feel like your brain's a highway with too many lanes? That's how it can feel when you're navigating Autism and ADHD – sometimes they’re like two phones buzzing at once ! As a SpED teacher & advocate, I know firsthand how these overlap
Ms.Toya ♾️ SpED

Ms.Toya ♾️ SpED

217 likes

Nobody Talks About ADHD + Autism + CPTSD Enough
A lot of late-diagnosed neurodivergent people grew up believing they were “too much” and “not enough” at the exact same time. Too sensitive. Too emotional. Too intense. Too quiet. Too forgetful. Too reactive. Too different. But nobody talks enough about what happens when ADHD, autism, and t
Katarina Scott ✨ ECA Tea 🫖

Katarina Scott ✨ ECA Tea 🫖

3 likes

Living with adhd ✨
It isn’t always easy but keep pushing #adhdmotivation #adhdjourney #adhdparalysis #adhd #adhdgirly United States
Kianamorgann

Kianamorgann

10 likes

What to feed kids with ADHD & AUTISM
It’s been like night and day🥹❤️ #wholefoods #healthy #healthylifestyle #asdintoddlers #asd
🍋TheeLemonade Family

🍋TheeLemonade Family

31 likes

ADHD and Bottom Up Thinking
Bottom up thinkers may take a little longer to learn certain things, but once something clicks it truly clicks. We don’t just memorize concepts, we understand them from the inside out in ways that can genuinely surprise people. Taking longer to learn something isn’t the flaw society acts like it is
The Peaceful Navigator

The Peaceful Navigator

385 likes

Myth vs Fact Autism + ADHD
Autism + ADHD Myth and facts at a glance! Learn about myth vs Fact for Autism and ADHD disorders and broaden your understanding. #autismawareness #neurodivergente #factsaboutautism #HelloLemon8
Ms.Toya ♾️ SpED

Ms.Toya ♾️ SpED

102 likes

Finding things to do with my AuDHD daughter
Living in an AuDHD household (autistic/ADHD) has its challenges. We like to get out, but we have to be selective about where we do go, or at least how long we are gone for. My daughter typically likes places that are quiet and dim, which can be hard to find. She is also a sensory-seeker, so goin
Calypso✨🌻

Calypso✨🌻

22 likes

Living With ADHD Roommates Opened My Eyes
I live with two roommates who have ADHD, and honestly—it’s been eye-opening. I used to think “everyone’s a little ADHD” or that the quirks came with perks like creativity or multitasking. But living with it daily? It’s… different. They can spend hours scrolling online even when they don’t want to,
Brigette Brown

Brigette Brown

482 likes

ADHD trying to leave house starter pack
#adhd #livingwithadhd #adhdlife
Rachel the NP

Rachel the NP

20 likes

A person with a backpack walks along a rocky shore towards a lake surrounded by mountains under a cloudy sky. Text overlays read: 'Before/after autism & ADHD edition' and 'Here's what changed & why it's important'.
A smiling woman with long brown hair looks at the camera. Text overlays describe her 'BEFORE MY DIAGNOSIS' state: quiet, reserved, wanting to blend in, second-guessing, poor self-worth, and lack of accommodations.
A woman with braided hair, wearing a black top and cap, stands confidently with hands on hips. Text overlays describe her 'AFTER MY DIAGNOSIS' state: speaking her truth, being authentically herself, standing behind choices, self-love, and accommodating her needs.
Why ADHD and autism diagnoses matter
I thought I was autistic for a year or so before I was formally diagnosed. And as far as ADHD goes, I was pretty sure I had it for several years before I was evaluated. So, imagine my lack of surprise when I was dual evaluated for both and it was determined that I am indeed AuDHD. But something
Calypso✨🌻

Calypso✨🌻

13 likes

🌸 Tools that help me regulate my ADHD and Autism 🌸
I’m neurodivergent, specifically I have ADHD and autism. Here are a few things that help me in my day to day life! If you’re neurodivergent, what kind of tools do you use or find helpful? #neurodivergent #neurospicy #adhd #adhdadult #adhdawareness #autism #autisticadult #autisti
Ad 💌🌈🐀🛼🎨

Ad 💌🌈🐀🛼🎨

1258 likes

Signs of autism and ADHD I showed as a child 🌸
For years I thought these were just things every kid did, or stuff I’d eventually grow out of. I remember so many different teachers pointing out my walking and telling me to walk heel first. Looking back, a lot of these signs make much more sense through an ADHD and autism lens. Things like
chronically harleigh 🤍

chronically harleigh 🤍

5 likes

AuDHD isn’t *just* Autism & ADHD together
💡 AuDHD isn’t just ADHD + Autism side by side. When the two collide in one brain, it creates a different pattern of struggles and strengths. ⚖️ Routine vs. novelty ⏰ Time blindness vs. structure 🎧 Sensory overwhelm vs. restlessness ⛔ Traits cancelling each other out (and hiding each other)
That AuDHD Mum

That AuDHD Mum

116 likes

Two children, one with an arm around the other, stand looking into a vibrant indoor water park at Great Wolf Lodge, illustrating sensory accommodations when visiting new places.
A quiet indoor seating area with a blue sofa and a person wearing headphones at a table, demonstrating how a neurodivergent family finds accommodations like quiet spaces.
Two children in swim attire stand at a counter, possibly checking in, highlighting the importance of preparing with social stories before visiting new places.
Sensory accommodations with autism - GWL
I truly think that people with neurotypical children don't understand what it means to be able to move through life without thinking about the word accommodations. And why would they, right? But as someone who has an entire family that is either ADHD or autistic, we are always thinking about
Calypso✨🌻

Calypso✨🌻

24 likes

Living w/ adhd 😬
Anyone else? #adhd #adhdinwomen #adhdwomen #adhdlife #relatable
Erin

Erin

42 likes

A smiling mother with three daughters, dressed in light-colored, bohemian-style clothing, stands in front of green foliage. The image, titled "living as a mom who has ADHD," visually represents the article's theme of a mother navigating life with ADHD.
Living as a mom who has ADHD
Hi friends!!!! I wanted to share and be vulnerable here, because I’m over 40 now and am really done trying to pretend to be someone I’m not. And honestly I just don’t give AF what others think anymore. 😂 I was diagnosed with ADHD last year. I had no idea I had it. I didn’t fit into the typical A
Tara

Tara

10 likes

Two vibrant sunflowers and one wilting sunflower head are shown with text overlay 'Lessons Learned In neuroaffirming therapy' and small colorful flower graphics, emphasizing growth and learning.
A metal dog sculpture stands among green bushes and pink roses, with text overlay 'You might not ever get a habit down the same way other people do. and that's okay!', promoting self-acceptance.
Dry grass and rocks are in the foreground with blue water in the background, featuring text 'making mistakes doesn't mean You are a failure... But it does mean you tried!' and two yellow butterflies.
Acknowledging ADHD and autism in therapy
I’ve mentioned the benefits of neuroaffirming therapy in the past, but as the weeks have gone on, I have continued to learn even more than I thought possible. When I was in traditional therapy, I was told I couldn't be ADHD or autistic. I was told I was too social, that I made eye contact. A
Calypso✨🌻

Calypso✨🌻

10 likes

✨🥒 trying lunch meal prep for ADHD/autism
#whatieatinaday #lemon8challange My mom bought me some toddler plates to help me portion out my lunches so I don’t feel overwhelmed . What do you think? Would you try this? My breakfast is currently freezing in the freezer right now it’s a ninja creamy smoothie bowl with like 50 g of
✰unfocusedzen✰

✰unfocusedzen✰

37 likes

A comprehensive table comparing symptoms, challenges, and strengths of ADHD, Autism, and AuDHD across features like attention, social skills, sensory sensitivity, routine, communication, executive function, and common strengths.
The difference between ADHD, Autism and AuDHD
#adhd #differences #auhd
LouiseAnn1960

LouiseAnn1960

241 likes

Living With ADHD Isn’t What People Think
My friend has ADHD, and last month she tried to explain something that finally clicked for me. She said, “People think I forget things because I don’t care. But actually, I care too much. My brain just… jumps tracks.” Like the other day—she put her coffee in the microwave, walked away, and someh
erica

erica

56 likes

See more