Experts are learning that ADHD and autism – known as AuDHD – often go hand-in-hand, leading to a brain in a constant tug-of-war. Leanne Maskell is the founder and director of ADHD coaching company ADHD Works, and the author of ADHD Works at Work and ADHD an A-Z OPINION Imagine having a brain that is at constant war with itself. Desperate to fit in, yet determined to escape social situations.

Obsessively creating complex structures for stability, but just as predictably smashing them all up. Chronically overwhelmed, yet unable to say no. That’s the reality of living with both ADHD and autism .

The two conditions might seem at odds with each other but can, as experts are increasingly realising, coexist and lead to non-stop internal conflict..