The AuDHD Woman: When Autism and ADHD Overlap — and Why She Gets Misdiagnosed - Ep 13

When autism and ADHD show up in the same person, it's called AuDHD — and it wasn't even a recognized combination until 2013. In this episode, Mona Kay and I break down how autism and ADHD overlap in women, why so many AuDHD women spend years with wrong diagnoses (bipolar, borderline personality disorder, anxiety, depression), and how these traits show up differently in women than in the men these conditions were originally studied on.

We cover the key trait differences — from structure and routine in autism to impulsivity and deadline-driven behavior in ADHD — and explore how AuDHD presents in relationships, motherhood, and the workplace. If you've ever wondered whether your "laziness" is actually burnout, or why being a mom feels physically overwhelming in ways other moms don't seem to experience, this one's for you.

⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 — Teaser: Women misdiagnosed before autism/AuDHD 0:20 — Episode intro 1:10 — ADHD vs. autism in women: what's the difference? 1:24 — AuDHD: when autism and ADHD overlap 4:16 — ADHD women: hyperactive brains, not hyperactive bodies 8:15 — Five key areas of difference in neurodiverse relationships 12:01 — Pattern recognition: spotting neurodivergence 15:36 — Autistic moms: "touched out" and sensory overwhelm 19:19 — ADHD burnout: you're not lazy, you're depleted 25:49 — Season wrap-up: Dr. Tony Attwood + dating & disclosure episode

📧 Contact Us Jodi Carlton — www.jodicarlton.com (it's Jodi with an I) Mona Kay — www.neurodiverselove.com Email — podcast@jodicarlton.com

About Jodi Carlton, MEd

WORK WITH ME: https://jodicarlton.com/booking/

I'm Jodi Carlton, MEd, a neurodiversity educator, relationship expert, author, and coach with more than 20 years of experience helping individuals, couples, families, and professionals better understand autism, ADHD, and the realities of neurodiverse relationships.

As a late-diagnosed ADHDer, I combine professional expertise with lived experience. My own family includes multiple neurotypes, and after spending nearly two decades in a neurodiverse marriage, I understand both the challenges and the opportunities that can emerge when different minds meet.

My work also explores the important distinction between neurodivergent differences and harmful relationship dynamics, including narcissistic abuse and personality pathology. My goal is not to tell people what to think, but to help them better understand what they are experiencing so they can make informed decisions about their relationships. On this channel, you'll find episodes of the YOUR Neurodiverse Relationship podcast, interviews with leading experts, educational videos, and practical conversations designed to help you better understand yourself, the people you love, and the misunderstood mind.

Courses: https://jodicarlton.com/courses Quizzes: https://jodicarlton.com/take-a-quiz Subscribe to my articles & newsletter at https://inside.themisunderstoodmind.com