The term 'AuDHD' is becoming increasingly popular as a way for autistic people who also have ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) to describe themselves. In this edition of the Medigarments blog, we look in more detail about this apparently counterintuitive overlap.
 |
| Sensory Hug® Mini in the Bulldog design |
At first glance, the characteristic traits of autism and ADHD seem to be at odds. Autistic people often prefer fixed, predictable routines and can experience negative feelings that overwhelm them when things change or when unexpected events and situations occur. Conversely, many people with ADHD actively dislike routines, instead enjoying novelty and spontaneity. They can also find it difficult to focus or concentrate.
It may seem difficult to believe but it is only since 2013 that it was even possible for both autism and ADHD to be diagnosed together. The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) simply did not allow for both diagnoses to be given to a single person before this time. Sadly, many people who were diagnosed before this time were simply 'assigned' to one or the other, usually that which appeared to be more prominent and/or had a greater impact on their lives.
A detailed meta-analysis of the occurrence of ADHD in autistic people found that around four out of every ten people with ADHD also met the diagnostic criteria for autism and the reverse also proved to be true. Another study, published in the European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry journal, suggested that 'the co-occurrence of having features or traits of one condition (but not meeting the full diagnostic criteria) when you have the other, is even more common and may be closer to around 80%'.
Research published in PsyPost showed that children with AuDHD had 'higher levels of mental health difficulties' like anxiety and depression than those with ADHD or autism alone.
 |
| Sensory Hug® Maxi in the Mermaid design |
Dynamic compression garments from our leading SDO® Sensory Dynamic Orthosis™ range, especially our unique Sensory Hug®, have been shown to provide many benefits for people with autism, ADHD and other conditions that cause difficulties with sensory processing. The deep, consistent pressure that the garments produce delivers proprioceptive and sensory feedback, helping to improve function by reducing anxiety and increasing concentration and attention.
Carefully and precisely manufactured using a combination of Orthowrap™ and Lycra®, the revolutionary Sensory Hug® can be worn either beneath or over ordinary clothing, delivering the required level of dynamic pressure without impeding the wearer's movements. Adjusting the pressure is a matter of swift simplicity: each garment comes complete with zip-strips in three different widths, which can be added or removed to tighten or loosen as required.
The Sensory Hug® offers exceptional versatility, providing targeted support to suit the individual needs of each wearer. Many users of the garment wear it only for specific activities, such as playing, eating or going to school. Others derive more benefit from wearing a Sensory Hug® as a key element of their daily routine: it is important to note that the garment should be removed before the wearer goes to bed.
Proven reduction in anxiety and sensory-seeking behaviours
The sensory and proprioceptive feedback the garment provides has been repeatedly proven to reduce overactivity, anxiety, restlessness and other negative patterns of sensory-seeking behaviour. These marked decreases directly result in corresponding increases in things like attentiveness, concentration, body awareness, stability, independence, calmness, coping ability and general functioning.
We invite you to browse the Medigarments Ltd website to learn more about the SDO® Original and SDO® Lite collections, as well as our game-changing Sensory Hug®. If you need expert advice our dedicated clinical team will be more than happy to provide it so don't hesitate to give us a call or drop us an email.
The Sensory Hug® is part of The World of SDO® Sensory Dynamic Orthosis range of dynamic Lycra® compression garments by Medigarments Ltd. Sensory Hug®, SDO® and Sensory Dynamic Orthosis™ are trademarks of Medigarments Ltd.
