Parenting a Child with AUDHD

 

 

Introduction

If you’re a mum raising a child with AUDHD - a combination of autism and ADHD - you may often feel pulled in many directions at once. One moment your little one is filled with energy and curiosity. The next, they might be overwhelmed by noise, lights, or transitions.

It can be exhausting, confusing, and sometimes lonely. But you are not alone. Many parents are walking this path, and together we are learning gentler ways to support our children’s unique needs.

What is AUDHD?

AUDHD is when autism and ADHD traits exist together in the same child.

• Autism can bring sensory sensitivities, routines, and a love of deep focus.
• ADHD can bring restlessness, impulsivity, and difficulty with attention.
• When combined, these traits can overlap - making daily life both beautifully unique and sometimes very challenging.

You might notice your child:

1. Struggles with transitions or sudden changes.
2. Finds busy environments overwhelming.
3. Has bursts of energy but difficulty staying on task.
4. Needs sensory comfort to regulate emotions.

Recognising AUDHD doesn’t mean labelling your child - it means better understanding how they experience the world.

Daily Life with AUDHD

Everyday routines can feel bigger than they should. Something as small as getting ready for school may become stressful when your child struggles with clothing textures, noisy environments, or shifting focus.

Common challenges for mums include:

1. Helping with emotional regulation during meltdowns.
2. Juggling school expectations with your child’s pace.
3. Managing restlessness at home, especially before bedtime.

It’s a lot to hold, and many mums feel they are constantly planning ahead. But small, steady tools can bring more calm to your days.

Gentle Parenting Strategies for AUDHD

Supporting a child with AUDHD doesn’t require perfection. It’s about creating an environment where your child feels safe, calm, and loved.

Here are some gentle strategies:

• Use visual schedules: Pictures or simple charts can reduce stress about “what’s next.”
• Give short, clear instructions: Break tasks into tiny steps.
• Create a calm-down corner: A quiet spot with sensory objects where your child can retreat when overwhelmed.
• Offer sensory breaks: Movement, soft textures, or time outdoors can reset energy.

Consistency is key - small routines repeated often bring a sense of security.

The Role of Sensory Comfort

Many children with AUDHD experience the world through heightened senses. What feels like “just background noise” to us can feel overwhelming to them. What feels like a normal shirt tag to us may feel scratchy or unbearable to their skin.

This is where sensory comfort plays a vital role. Soft textures, soothing pressure, and consistent comfort cues help children regulate. When their body feels calmer, their emotions often follow.

Some parents find that sensory blankets with tags give their child a safe way to self-soothe. Tiny hands can explore the gentle ribbons, while the softness provides a familiar “anchor” during stressful moments. If you’d like to explore one, you can see our Lay Lay Labels sensory blankets - designed with love for fidgety little hands.

Supporting Yourself as a Mum

Caring for a child with AUDHD can feel like you’re always “on.” The constant planning, advocating, and soothing takes a toll. Supporting your child starts with also supporting yourself.

Here are ways to nurture your own well-being while parenting a child with AUDHD:

1. Build a support network: Seek out local or online groups for parents of children with autism, ADHD, or both. Hearing “me too” from another mum can feel like a lifeline on hard days.
2. Find professionals you trust: Occupational therapists, child psychologists, and paediatricians familiar with AUDHD can provide both guidance for your child and reassurance for you.
3. Schedule micro-breaks: You may not get a spa day, but even 5 minutes with a cup of tea, journaling, or stepping outside can reset your nervous system.
4. Use calming tools for yourself, too: Just as your child benefits from sensory comfort, you may find calm in soft textures, weighted blankets, or mindful breathing.
5. Let go of perfection: Some days will feel messy. That’s okay. Progress is often slow and uneven, and that does not mean you’re failing.

Remember: your child doesn’t need you to be endlessly patient - they need you to be present. By tending to your own energy, you’ll have more capacity for the love, patience, and joy that only you can give them.

Conclusion

Every child with AUDHD has their own way of moving through the world. It can be challenging, yes - but also full of joy, discovery, and moments of deep connection.

By building small routines, creating calm spaces, and offering sensory comfort, you can help your child feel safe and understood.