Do I Have AuDHD? Signs, Assessment, and What to Do Next

Have you ever asked yourself, “Do I have AuDHD?” Many people who consider getting assessed for differences in their attention span, communication, learning, or social interaction begin wondering if they have autism, ADHD, or both.

In this blog, we will explore what AuDHD is and how it may present in everyday life. We will also discuss what a professional assessment involves and how it can help provide a clearer understanding of an individual’s experiences.

What Is AuDHD?

AuDHD is an informal term used to refer to when autism and ADHD occur together in the same person. Both are neurodevelopmental conditions associated with differences in how the brain develops and functions. When both are present, a person may experience a combination of traits associated with each condition.

The assessment process for ADHD and Autism evaluates each condition separately using evidence-based methods to determine whether a person meets the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, Autism, both, or neither.

What Are the Signs of AuDHD?

Since AuDHD involves two distinct conditions, the signs can vary from person to person. Some traits may be related to ADHD, others to Autism, and some may result from the combination of both.

Common signs associated with ADHD include:

• Difficulty sustaining attention on tasks, especially those that require prolonged focus or feel less engaging

• Acting impulsively without fully considering consequences

• Restlessness or difficulty remaining still

• Frequent forgetfulness, losing items, or missing deadlines

• Difficulties with organisation, time management, and planning

• Differences in attention and performance across tasks or settings

Common signs associated with Autism include:

• Differences in social communication and interaction

• A preference for routine, predictability, and familiarity

• Deep or highly focused interests in specific topics

• Sensory differences, such as increased sensitivity to sounds, lights, textures, or touch

• Difficulty interpreting social cues, non-verbal communication, or unspoken expectations

• Differences in understanding figurative language, implied meanings, or abstract concepts

AuDHD in Children

Children with AuDHD are sometimes misunderstood as being inattentive, disruptive, or difficult. In many cases, these behaviours may be linked to underlying neurodevelopmental differences that are not always immediately recognised without proper assessment.

A child assessment typically examines:

• Cognitive ability and processing skills, including attention, memory, and executive functioning skills such as planning, organisation, and flexible thinking

• Attention and impulse control, including focus, self-regulation, and managing impulses

• Social and emotional functioning, including communication, relationships, and how the child interacts across different settings such as home and school

• Autism-related traits and communication patterns, including sensory differences and social interaction skills

AuDHD in Adults

For many adults, seeking an assessment is about understanding lifelong patterns that may have affected different areas of their lives. Difficulties with focus, organisation, social communication, routines, or sensory experiences can create challenges at work, home, and in relationships. An assessment can help explore these experiences and provide a clearer understanding of individual strengths and challenges.

An adult assessment typically covers:

• Attention, concentration, and working memory

• Adaptive functioning, such as communication, decision-making, and managing daily responsibilities

• Planning, organisation, and task management

• Emotional regulation and impulsivity

• Social communication and interpersonal patterns

• Sensory sensitivities and responses to change

• A developmental and historical review of behaviours across different life stages and settings

Who Can Assess for AuDHD?

AuDHD assessments can be conducted by a registered psychologist with training and experience in assessing autism and ADHD. The psychologist uses evidence-based assessment tools alongside clinical interviews and developmental history to form a comprehensive picture of an individual’s functioning.

At Adelaide Clinical Psychology, our warm, caring, and understanding team of registered psychologists has extensive experience in assessing ADHD and autism in children, adolescents, and adults. Our supportive team takes a thorough and considered approach to every assessment, recognising that each person’s experience is unique.

Our Assessment Process at Adelaide Clinical Psychology

Our assessment process follows a clear, structured approach, ensuring each stage is explained and tailored to your individual needs. Here’s what to expect:

Step 1: Intake Call

The process begins with a warm and welcoming intake call. Our Client Concierge, Candy Elliott, will take time to understand your concerns, answer your questions, and help clarify whether an ADHD assessment, an autism assessment, or a combined AuDHD assessment is the most appropriate path forward.

Step 2: Clinical Interview

A one-on-one interview with a psychologist helps build a thorough understanding of developmental history, current behaviours, and emotional wellbeing. For child assessments, this interview is conducted with parents and covers early development through to current academic and social functioning.

Step 3: Testing and Assessment

This step involves structured testing sessions, which may include cognitive ability testing, executive function assessment, and behavioural questionnaires. For children, parents and teachers are also asked to complete online screening tools to provide additional context on the child’s experiences across different settings.

Step 4: Analysis of Results and Written Report

Once testing is complete, your psychologist carefully analyses all collected data to identify patterns consistent with ADHD, Autism, or both. A detailed written report is then prepared, outlining the findings clearly and providing tailored practical recommendations.

Step 5: Feedback Session

The final step is a feedback session with your psychologist. This is an opportunity to discuss the findings in full, ask questions, and gain a clear understanding of what the results mean for you or your child going forward.

Key Takeaway

If you are wondering, “Do I have AuDHD?”, the best first step is to seek a formal assessment from a registered psychologist. This assessment can help determine whether ADHD, Autism, or a combination of both may be present.

At Adelaide Clinical Psychology, our kind, supportive, and experienced team is here to guide you through the assessment process. If you are ready to take the next step, book an assessment with us today.