A woman revealed key indicators that might suggest someone has AuDHD, a term used to describe the simultaneous presence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
AuDHD acknowledges the intricate overlap of these two conditions, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of an individual’s experiences.
TikTok user Laurie, known as @_lauriefaulkner_, identifies herself as an “ADHD gal, trying to help you with yours,” and has posted a video detailing characteristics that could point to a concurrent diagnosis of autism and ADHD. She outlines the first sign as having “two halves”.
1. You have two halves
According to Laurie, those with AuDHD might find they have “two halves” – one side being “quiet, shy, and rule-abiding,” while the other could be “rule-breaking, outgoing, and extroverted”. She notes when one side is dominant, the other feels discontented, and vice versa.
2. You refer to yourself in this way
Echoing the concept of duality, Laurie suggests that referring to oneself as an “extroverted introvert” may indicate AuDHD.
3. Dilemmas
Laurie points out that individuals might feel overwhelmed by planning tasks, leading to inaction and subsequent guilt.
4. Social life
She explains that while some may perceive themselves as socially inept and awkward, they are often highly perceptive and empathetic towards others.
5. Changes
Laurie explained while you may “hate change,” paradoxically, “your personality will constantly change depending on who you are around”.
6. It varies day by day
On different days, either autism or ADHD may be more prominent, Laurie elaborated. On days when “autism is dominant,” you might be labelled as “not enough”.
Conversely, on days when ADHD takes the lead, you could be described as “too much”.
7. During social events
Social gatherings can be incredibly overwhelming, leaving you unsure of whom to converse with or what to say. Alternatively, Laurie noted, you might “talk to everyone at social gatherings and you say everything, and then you panic, because you’ve overshared”.
8. Noise sensitivity
People with AuDHD may “hate loud noises,” but paradoxically, they may also enjoy loud noises if it’s “a song you really like, and you can control the volume”, Laurie clarified.
In response to her insights, one commenter wrote: “So many undiagnosed adults because of the stigma when we grew up, we don’t know ourselves because it was hushed. Let’s make a future where our children don’t go through the same self-discoveries.”
“I feel so seen,” another woman expressed.
The NHS lists common signs of autism in adults:
- Finding it hard to understand what others are thinking or feeling
- Getting very anxious about social situations
- Finding it hard to make friends or preferring to be on your own
- Seeming blunt, rude or not interested in others without meaning to
- Finding it hard to say how you feel
- Taking things very literally – for example, you may not understand sarcasm or phrases like “break a leg”
- Having the same routine every day and getting very anxious if it changes
The NHS also provides common symptoms of ADHD in adults, including signs of being inattentive, such as:
- Being easily distracted or forgetful
- Finding it hard to organise your time
- Finding it hard to follow instructions or finish tasks
- Losing things often, like your wallet, mobile or keys
You may show signs of being hyperactive and impulsive, including:
- Having a lot of energy or feeling restless
- Being very talkative or interrupting conversations
- Making quick decisions without thinking about what might happen as a result
If you suspect you may be autistic, have ADHD, or AuDHD, it’s recommended to schedule an appointment with your GP.