AuDHD Explained: Can You Have ADHD and Autism at the Same Time? | Experts Answer

Why It Matters

Recognizing the high comorbidity between ADHD and autism reshapes diagnostic protocols and treatment strategies, ensuring individuals receive comprehensive support that addresses both executive‑function and social‑communication challenges.

Key Takeaways

• ADHD and autism can co‑occur; prevalence is high
• Executive function deficits define ADHD, while social intuition deficits define autism
• Girls often mask symptoms, leading to missed or delayed diagnoses
• Treating ADHD first can improve executive function and aid autism interventions
• Self‑diagnosis is discouraged; professional evaluation ensures accurate treatment pathways

Summary

Dr. Mark Burton, a developmental pediatrician, explains that ADHD and autism can coexist and clarifies how each condition uniquely impacts cognition and behavior. He outlines the core distinctions—ADHD stems from executive‑function deficits affecting life‑management skills, while autism involves deficits in social intuition and communication.

Burton cites research showing roughly 50% of autistic individuals also meet ADHD criteria, and about 15% of those diagnosed with ADHD exhibit autistic traits. He emphasizes gender differences: females often present subtler, internalized symptoms and engage in masking, which can delay or miss diagnosis. The video also stresses that ADHD medication can improve executive function, indirectly supporting social‑skill development for autistic patients.

A memorable quote from the video: “ADHD is not a disorder of not knowing what to do, it’s a disorder of not doing what you know.” Burton uses this to illustrate why treating ADHD first—often with medication—can create a foundation for more targeted autism interventions such as speech‑language therapy and behavioral coaching. He warns against self‑diagnosis, urging viewers to seek professional evaluation.

The implications are clear for clinicians and families: comprehensive screening for both conditions is essential, treatment plans should address executive‑function deficits alongside social‑communication support, and awareness of masking—especially in girls—can prevent missed diagnoses. Properly coordinated care can reduce burnout, improve functional outcomes, and enhance overall quality of life.

Original Description

Can you have ADHD and autism at the same time? Developmental pediatrician Dr. Mark Bertin explains what it means to have both and answers common questions about AuDHD, including how ADHD and autism overlap, how they’re different, and how both can show up in kids and adults.

Timestamps

00:00 Intro

00:21 What’s the difference between ADHD and autism?

01:22 Can you have ADHD and autism at the same time?

02:00 What is AuDHD?

02:34 How do I know if I have ADHD or autism or both?

03:41 Does AuDHD look different in girls and women?

04:13 How common is it to have ADHD and autism together?

04:48 Should AuDHD be treated differently than ADHD alone?

05:28 Can ADHD medication help with autism?

06:09 What are common masking behaviors for people with autism and ADHD?

06:56 Why was I missed or misdiagnosed as a child?

07:50 What is AuDHD burnout?

08:50 Is it OK to diagnose myself as AuDHD?

For more on this topic

What is AuDHD? https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-is-audhd

The difference between ADHD and autism https://www.understood.org/en/articles/the-difference-between-adhd-and-autism

AuDHD, sensory meltdowns, and hormones (Sam Hiew’s story) https://www.understood.org/en/podcasts/adhd-aha/audhd-sensory-meltdowns-samantha-hiew

My kids have both autism and learning and thinking differences, and it’s complicated https://www.understood.org/en/articles/my-kids-have-both-autism-and-learning-and-thinking-differences-and-its-complicated

Questions about learning and thinking differences? Get answers and expert-vetted resources by asking the AI-powered Understood Assistant:

https://www.understood.org/en/assistant?utm_medium=organic&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=assistant-agn-prod&utm_content=video

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