When we think about neurodiversity, we often think about autism and ADHD separately. But some women have both, and the mix can look quite different from either one on its own. This is known as AuDHD, a combination of autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It varies a lot from one woman to the next, and spotting the traits is the first step to understanding what each one needs.
This blog focuses on the strengths. The difficulties are real, but they already get most of the attention, and the strengths are easy to overlook.
What is AuDHD?
AuDHD refers to the co-occurrence of autism and ADHD. While autism and ADHD are often diagnosed separately, many people, especially women, experience both at the same time. The two share some common traits, such as differences in focus, communication and executive functioning, but each also brings its own strengths. You can read more about how the two overlap in our article are autism and ADHD related? For women with AuDHD, the two combine in ways that shape how they think, process information and deal with other people.
Because autism and ADHD often present differently in women, AuDHD can be harder to recognise. Once it is recognised, though, it often explains a lot, including where these women do their best work.
Why AuDHD is often overlooked in women
Traditionally, autism and ADHD have been underdiagnosed in women. This is because the traits can look different in women compared with men. Women often internalise their experiences and may adapt their behaviour to meet social expectations, making it harder to spot the signs of AuDHD. The National Autistic Society’s guide to autistic women and girls explores this in more depth. Here are a few reasons why it’s often missed:
- Masking and camouflaging: Many women with AuDHD become skilled at “masking”, or hiding their neurodivergent traits to fit in. This can include mimicking social behaviours, suppressing hyperactivity, or adapting their responses so they appear more neurotypical. Our article on understanding high-masking neurodivergent employees explains what this can look like at work.
- Social expectations: Society often expects women to be more organised, socially aware and emotionally in tune. These pressures can lead women with AuDHD to struggle silently, making their traits less visible to others.
- Gendered differences: ADHD and autism may present more overtly in boys, which means they are often more obvious and diagnosed earlier. As a result, many women with AuDHD are not diagnosed until later in life, after years of getting by in their own way. We look at this further in why so many women are getting a late ADHD diagnosis.
Positive traits and experiences of women with AuDHD
Here are some of the strengths that often come with AuDHD in women. Not everyone will recognise all of them.
1. Creative problem-solving
One of the biggest strengths many women with AuDHD have is original thinking. The combination of hyperfocus from ADHD and the distinctive cognitive processing of autism can result in creative solutions that others might miss. They tend to do well where new ideas are welcome and coming at a problem from several angles is valued.
That shows up in art, business, technology and plenty of other fields, anywhere a fresh idea is worth more than the usual answer.
2. Attention to detail and hyperfocus
While ADHD is often associated with distractibility, hyperfocus is another common trait. Women with AuDHD can become deeply absorbed in tasks that capture their interest, allowing them to produce high-quality work in specific areas. This intense focus can lead to real expertise in their chosen fields.
For example, a woman with AuDHD might focus intently on writing, coding or research for hours, tuning out distractions and producing excellent work. In the right environment, that is a huge asset.
3. Empathy and emotional insight
Women with AuDHD often have a deep sense of empathy and emotional insight, despite differences in social communication. The sensitivity to their environment that often comes with autism, combined with the emotional awareness many people with ADHD describe, can give them a strong ability to understand and connect with others.
They may do well in roles that call for emotional intelligence, such as counselling, teaching or leadership.
4. Resilience and perseverance
Living with AuDHD, often without a diagnosis, takes a lot of resilience. Many women with AuDHD build real inner strength dealing with things other people don’t see. Whether it’s managing sensory sensitivities, handling social anxiety or balancing multiple responsibilities, they learn to keep going.
It often makes them adaptable, and good at picking themselves up after a setback.
5. Distinctive communication styles
Women with AuDHD may communicate in ways that differ from neurotypical norms, but these approaches can be highly effective. Many have a rich internal dialogue, and their communication is often direct, thoughtful and expressive.
While they may find social conventions or small talk harder, their ability to engage in meaningful, in-depth conversations can lead to deeper and more authentic connections. Many prefer one-to-one conversations or smaller groups, where their communication style is more effective and appreciated.
6. High standards
Many women with AuDHD share a strong desire to get their work exactly right. This can be both a strength and a challenge, as perfectionism can be tiring. But it usually shows in the quality of their work.
It can make them standout performers in their chosen fields, whether that’s academia, the arts or business.
How to support women with AuDHD
Supporting women with AuDHD means recognising both their strengths and the areas where they may need adjustments or support. Here are some ways to help in different environments, including at work, where practical reasonable adjustments can make a big difference:
- Encourage open communication: Women with AuDHD may express themselves in different ways. Encourage open dialogue to understand their communication style and how best to work together.
- Provide flexibility: Flexibility in working hours or task management can help women with AuDHD do their best work. They may benefit from environments that allow them to hyperfocus on projects or take breaks when needed.
- Offer emotional support: Make it easy for them to talk about what they need without worrying about being judged.
- Set clear expectations: Clear, structured guidelines and expectations help women with AuDHD stay on track and feel confident in their work.
- Recognise their strengths: Highlight the strengths women with AuDHD bring, such as creativity, empathy and resilience. Encouraging their growth and giving positive feedback builds confidence.
Conclusion
AuDHD in women is still missed far too often. When it is recognised and properly supported, the strengths that come with it get a chance to show, at work and everywhere else. If you think you might be autistic or have ADHD, our article on signs of ADHD in women you might not know about is a helpful next read.
How Enna can help
Some of the most creative, committed people in your organisation may well have AuDHD, and the right support helps them stay and grow. Our workplace coaching gives neurodivergent employees practical strategies for focus, energy and communication, while workplace needs assessments identify the adjustments that will make the biggest difference. For managers, our Supporting and Managing Neurodivergent Employees workshop is a quick way to build confidence. Book a call to talk it through.
If you have AuDHD yourself, our resources for neurodivergent employees cover disclosure, adjustments and more, and the Enna jobs board lists roles with employers who value different ways of thinking.
