Navigate the Nuances of AuDHD: A Deep Dive of Autism and ADHD

In this insightful episode of The Self-Careapist Podcast, Lorainmoorehead.com/podcast, we are joined by world-renowned autism experts Dr. Michelle Garnett and Dr. Tony Attwood of Attwood of Garnett Events to explore the evolving understanding of combined autism and ADHD often referred to as AuDHD. Together, they unpack how the field has shifted from autism as a standalone, to understanding it as “autism plus,” often intertwined with ADHD, anxiety, mood disorders, BPD, learning disorders, and other experiences of neurodiversity.

The conversation moves from diagnostic history and gender differences to the lived experience of camouflaging, self-identity, and the importance of emotional awareness in therapy. They introduce practical, affirming tools like energy accounting, the spoken social story, and considerations for alexithymia and burnout.

Whether you’re a seasoned clinician looking to update your approach or a new learner, this episode offers compassion, clarity and humor for understanding how to connect and serve our AuDHD clients.

Key Takeaways

Autism is a broad, multidimensional spectrum not a line from mild to severe.
The idea of autism pure vs. autism plus helps explain the overlap between autism, ADHD, and related conditions.
Camouflaging or masking can help people fit in socially—but often at a high emotional cost.
Gender differences influence how autism presents and is recognized, particularly in women and gender-diverse individuals.
Understanding and working with alexithymia and interoception is key to developing emotional awareness.
Energy accounting, a model created by Maya Tude
(autistic psychologist, Copenhagen), helps manage daily burnout and emotional energy.
The spoken social story offers a gentle self-advocacy tool to express personal needs without over-explaining.
Visual tools like the Wheel of Emotion
can strengthen emotional vocabulary in therapy.
Therapists can adapt modalities like EMDR, DBT, or mindfulness for neurodivergent minds focusing on acceptance.
Resources Mentioned

CAT-Q: Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire

Modified Questionnaire for Autism Spectrum Conditions (MQ-ASC)

Wheel of Emotion

Maja Toudal – Energy Accounting

Lawson’s Work on Monotropism

Attwood & Garnett’s Library of Trainings

Episode Chapters

00:00 – Introduction: Autism’s evolution
02:56 – Personal Journeys into Autism Research
06:10 – Understanding the Autism Spectrum
08:58 – Autism Plus: The Intersection with ADHD
11:58 – Camouflaging and Masking
15:09 – Gender Differences in Autism
17:49 – Diagnosis and Self-Identity
20:46 – Therapeutic Approaches for Neurodivergent Clients
23:56 – Mindfulness and Emotional Awareness
26:54 – Creative Therapies and Self-Expression
30:01 – Energy Accounting and Burnout Prevention
32:50 – Understanding Neurodiversity
36:11 – Final Reflections