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

When autism and ADHD co-occur — now widely called AuDHD — the clinical picture shifts dramatically. Dr. Tony Attwood and Dr. Michelle Garnett, two of the world's leading autism researchers, explain how to assess, differentiate, and treat AuDHD in adults and adolescents. This conversation covers what most training programs miss about neurodevelopmental overlap (CE for LCSW, LMHC, LPC, LMFT). In this insightful episode of Self Careapist Therapist 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 #therapist #mentalhealth #continuingeducation #therapisteducation #CEU #LCSW #LPC #LMFT #LMHC #evidencebasedtherapy #therapisttraining #clinicalskills #counseloreducation #ADHD #autism #AuDHD #neurodiversity #neurodivergent #executivefunctioning #ADHDtherapy