Welcome to AuDHD: How to Survive (and Thrive) as an Adult with Autism and ADHD

by Megan Griffith

Whether you just got diagnosed as AuDHD, or came to the realization on your own, you're probably wondering...what do I do now? That's how Megan Griffith felt after her own AuDHD diagnosis in her late 20s. So she wrote the AuDHD Welcome Guide that she (and so many other late-realized AuDHDers) desperately needed.

As an adult who's AuDHD, you need adult advice on how to do adult things, like how to make dinner every single night for the rest of forever, or how to interview for, get, and keep a job without burning out. You need support that's designed for you as an adult, and as someone who's not just autistic, not just ADHD, but both.

This audiobook covers all of that, and more. From gentle emotional validation to incredibly practical advice, and exercises to help you create real change in your daily life, Megan Griffith is ready to be your guide into the wonderful, terrible, confusing, liberating world of AuDHD.

Welcome home.

Genres: Nonfiction, Adhd, Psychology, Self Help, Health, Disability

208 pages, Paperback

Published September 18, 2025

Reviews

[Madeline Elsinga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 ⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers for the eARC!

Welcome to AuDHD is a short and informative guide to living as an AuDHDer, with the author being AuDHD herself and working as a life coach/advocate/content creator for AuDHD.

She looked at redefining the DSM 5 traits into less clinical terms from a neurotypical standpoint of how we "inconvenience others" and instead defines autistic, ADHD, and AuDHD neurodevelopmental traits how WE experience it. Plus looking at day to day accommodations we can make, job searching, relationships, diagnosis (yay for self diagnosis validation!), and acceptance.

I was also glad to see the intersectionality, looking at different groups and how they’re treated when it comes to autism, ADHD, or both (women, trans people, BIPOC people, non binary and gender non conforming people). Also how masking in particular is linked to ableism, capitalism, racism, etc. and the danger of eugenics when it comes to talking about a “cure.” While the book is mostly a self help guide, I was very glad to see the important political discussions around these diagnoses because being neurodivergent is so wrapped up in oppressive systems, especially for those with multiple marginalized identities!

Some personal stories as well as stories from her clients mixed in between the informative stuff. I liked the key takeaways at the end of every chapter!!

I wanted to highlight the majority of the book and will be buying a physical copy!! Going on my shelf right next to Unmasking Autism and will be a go to recommendation for AuDHDers. I felt so seen to the point of: the author and I are basically the same person how does she know EXACTLY how I’ve felt?!

For now I did skip some small sections like finding therapists/coaches, seeking professional diagnosis, and parenting as an AuDHDer because I didn’t need any of that info at this point in time.

It’s an incredibly helpful guide that can be quickly read and referenced depending on what you’re looking for. For that reason I’d recommend for anyone who is AuDHD to read either before or alongside longer works that go deeper into some of the topics introduced by Griffith! To sum up my feelings: Reaffirming, uplifting, relatable, informative, helpful



"Because you are not a burden. Welcome to AuDHD
You are a light. Think of this book as a disco ball, scattering your light everywhere, illuminating the parts of yourself that you've hidden away for years, in fear and shame. It's not my job to shine a light on your darkness, but rather, to reflect your own light back to you so you can see how amazing you already are."


"You didn't fit in with the neurotypicals, but your struggles weren't obvious enough to get you the help you needed, so for a long time, you lived in this liminal space where you were just...wrong. No matter what you did or said or felt, it was wrong. And there was no explanation for this wrongness, so you assumed it must be you. Who you were was simply wrong. But this wasn't true, was it? You were AuDHD all along. And you're finally in the place where you're right. Where everything about you fits just the way it should."

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was super interesting. I love how Griffith managed to incorporate theoretical/scientifical information as well as personal experiences from a wide range of people with AuDHD. This is your perfect guide to understanding what AuDHD is and how it affects your life.

Thank you NetGalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers for the e-arc of this book.

[Gold Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book feels like a warm hug for all the confused and lost AuDHD people who need a community and to take the first steps in becoming "a full AuDHD person". I was drawn in by the cover because it is a lovely colourful design and the title felt encouraging and positive. It is unusual to find writing that encompasses the experience of both autism and ADHD in how they bounce off and interact with one another, so this is a really special unique perspective that will be very welcome in the neurodivergent community.

Unlike other autism/ADHD memoirs and self-help books that I have read, this is much more of a "guide to life with AuDHD", which was extremely appreciated given most neurodivergent people feel they have been left out of being given the rules to life. I found this section very helpful because it considers the effect of AuDHD on work, social life, hobbies and friendships, giving coping strategies and exercises to understand possible ways to move forward with your personal experience. It is generally unusual to find writing which recognises the effect on the whole of someone's life, rather than the inconvenience to other people through work alone, for example.

It is both easy to read in out of order in chunks, or as a whole narrative, which is an excellent achievement. Therefore, it can be used as a reference guide for whichever information is relevant at the time. It is written in small chunks within each chapter, so the information is easy to process in very small chunks if needed. The chapters link together throughout, so it directs the reader back to where they can find further information in a different chapter if they are reading it in chunks, or have forgotten where the information was, which makes the book much more accessible to read.

It offers a balanced perspective, including both the author's lived experience and experiences from their online community. Each chapter offers exercises, practical actions and key takeaway points to wrap-up the information and give you something practical to do. The resources section at the back is clear and offers a range of experiences and sources to investigate further, which is very helpful.

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone feeling like they need a helping hand in understanding how to live life as a "full AuDHD person" or needing a virtual hug from the neurodivergent community after diagnosis. Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read as an eARC.

[Sussu {Romance Obsessed} · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for the arc!

Megan Griffith's latest release offers its readers an introductory survival guide on how to thrive with AUHD.

It's broken down in such a way that it's light and easily digestible for the reader. Not only that, but Megan also manages to breathe life into a genre that has featured cold, clinical, information and data overload that are such a slog to go through.

Instead, this book feels like a conversation. Opening a dialogue and a hug if you need it.
It also helps you remember: you're not alone, or broken, or wrong. You are different and valid as you are.
You're a daisy in a rose garden. They're both beautiful flowers, but they have different needs in order to bloom.

She's gone through what you're going through, and she's there, cheering you through it.
Maybe that's why I liked it so much, a neurodivergent author writes what's interesting and relevant to them, and writes a book that they would enjoy reading.

The fact that this book got 5 stars from me is huge, because if you knew me: I don't read these kinds of books at all.
I struggle with reading academically heavy, dense texts or texts that are filled with numbers and percentages and ratios. My eyes glaze over.

It's modernized with up to date references, as well as lists several influencers who talk about their life with AUHD.
As much as I dislike influencers, I feel like the ones out there that talk about their life with a neurodivergent brain can be lifesaving.

There's no feeling than feeling like something is "all in your head" and then hearing someone who has gone through the very same thing.
I've been misunderstood for most of my life, masking without realizing I've been masking and always feeling like I never fit in.

As I've heard, ADHD is full of contradictions and AUHD is not any different.
The fact that ND people feel more deeply, but some may have Alexithymia (difficulty and delays in processing emotions) seems like a massive middle finger from my brain to me and I'm not a fan lol

This is a book on navigating AUHD that's relevant to wherever you are on your journey, or even if you have a spouse/partner. Even if you're just curious as to what it all means, there are so many benefits in reading.
Thank you again for writing this book and creating more helpful resources.

[Phoebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

My goodness. As someone who has recently been diagnosed with AuDhd, this book has been such a warm welcome home. I've been on my own journey for quite a while now, and I don't think I've read anything new, per se. But to read something so incredibly inclusive made me feel so welcome. The language used felt to me like a warm, welcoming, loving friend, who is not only incredibly well-read and has done their research, but managed to make everything so perfectly human and approachable. It's the way I tend to speak, and if I were a translator I would love to translate this book into my native language and give it to my parents, family and friends. So to me, it perfectly resonated. And I hope that it will resonate and help a lot of Audhd folks as well on their own journey. Thank you, Megan, for all that you do, and all that/who you are.

[No Apology Book Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm disappointed. It's less about AuDHD and more about the neurodivergent landscape, and advice for navigating it. It's also surprisingly generalized, ostensibly written from the perspective of AuDHD but applicable to other conditions as well.

Overall it's unsatisfyingly vague, like it's just touching on topics but not thoroughly exploring them. Including the author's own experience and, unfortunately, AuDHD itself.

This book does not do a good job of describing the unique ways these conditons present together; it felt very eithor-or. So for someone like me who's not sure they're AuDHD and looking to find themselves in examples of everyday presentation, this won't get ya far.

If you're instead looking for advice on navigating discrimination, internal and external, as well as a primer on the social and political climates surrounding conditions like ADHD and autism, you might find this helpful.

I wish she'd done extensive testimonials for every topic, not just about disability.

[Darya · Rating 4 out of 5]

What should be highlighted is that this is a very "welcome to..." book, that is, an intro to the topic. I was hoping for more insight on the interplay between neurodivergencies, and there is a bit about that interplay, but mostly it's an intro to living as neurodivergent in general.

The idea I liked the most (not for the newness of the idea but rather for the freshness of the metaphor): Treat yourself like a house plant. Perceive your needs as neutral.

[John Pinkard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome to AuDHD is a knowledgeable resource for newly diagnosed adults with AuDHD. The casual language by the author made me feel like a friend was sharing what has helped her and others in the AuDHD community since discovering their own AuDHD. A new autism and ADHD diagnosis can bring up many emotions and questions. What do I do now? What resources are available to me? Do I need to adjust my life? How exactly has AuDHD affected me throughout my life? Griffith’s book is laid out in a very approachable way to begin answering these questions for yourself. The popular saying in the autism community is “if you’ve met one autistic person, then you’ve met one autistic person.” No two autistic people are alike and no single book can be comprehensive enough for many autistic people. Still, this book is great at presenting a vast amount of resources. It also helps raise questions to ask yourself about what you feel is needed.

Thank you to NetGalley, Megan Griffith, and Jessica Kingsley Publishers for the eARC of this book.

[Ro · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really interesting and helpful read. I think the paperback over the audiobook would be better as you can't really do the exercises if you're out and about and listening.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great. I really liked how the author not only described each condition separately but how they can interact and work together at times while at other times they seem to antagonize each other. One of the most frustrating refrains was "there isn't really a lot of research," because DAMN IT there should be!

Going over some of the confusion and overwhelm as you deal with your diagnoses and try to integrate their newly realized requirements into your life was especially helpful. I was diagnosed in 2022 and much of what the author has in here are things I have already found a workaround for or come to the same conclusion about which was nice to read about, too.

How life is different when you have both, how they interact, how you can be so exhausted even when it seems you weren't doing much are all discussed here along with ways to make your life easier. What I appreciated the most was the discussion of particulars that are rarely discussed in the "late diagnosed adult" discourse I guess you'd call it, is how your experiences will be influenced by more than just your neurotype. Your race, sex, class, other disabilities, way you look, etc. will all influence who you are and how your life is so there is no one size fits all advice {no matter how much my black and white thinking wants to friggin have some, so we can fix all the world's problems} but you do need a place to start. Not everyone is a burnt out former gifted kid people pleaser even though that's the loudest voice on social media, it's not the only one and this book recognizes that. It's the first time I ever saw my life experience of a working class, rustbelt town kid who had to take remedial math and remedial gym and was considered the "problem child." I mean the punk scene was/is full of us so there has to be a significant population like this but we're likely too burnt out to make social media videos describing our experiences other than "I'm tired as hell, but at least now I know why."

This book is a great place to start if you just got diagnosed or just realized "It me, AuDHD!" You'll have a clear description of your challenges and possible ways around them. You'll get the validation that you're not alone if you need that kind of thing. You'll find resources for hiring people to help you navigate all this new stuff if you can afford them and so desire. Ultimately though, it's up to you what you want to do with your life now that you have this information and that's what the author says at the end.

[A. J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last summer I joined the ranks of the self diagnosed autistic. My family and I were temporarily homeless and staying in a tent thanks to our amazing friends who helped us leave a bad situation. My friend asked if I thought maybe I might be autistic. I wasn’t sure, but it wasn’t the first time someone had asked me, so this time I was actually curious. I pulled up the official tests that can be found online and started going through them and…well the rest is history. Suddenly a lot about myself was making sense, for the first time in my whole life. Shortly after my partner and I came to the conclusion that he was probably also autistic and also adhd. This means the likelihood of our kiddo also being one or both of these is high. It was a really great moment for our family. We three, we’re weirdos. We’re particular. We don’t really understand the world around us and often times it feels like swimming upriver just surviving day-to-day. Add on top of it all my partner’s disabilities? Wow. We’ve got quite the life going on.

Over the past year we’ve really been trying to build a life that works for us. A queer, neurodivergent life that honors our own paces, our healing, and trying to let our kiddo be his truest most authentic self regardless of the ‘‘rules’’ put out there by neurotypical society. And of course I’ve been doing a bunch of reading on all the topics to try and help. So I was thrilled to receive an arc copy of this book.

I think the main takeaway from this book is the subtitle “How to Survive (and Thrive) as an Adult”. This is the heart of the book. From chapters on making sense of who we are, to advice on day to day life, to how to survive work, Megan Griffith’s has created a really in-depth manual to help fellow neurodiverse people. Honestly I’ve been looking for a book like this since I first went on my deep-dive a year ago.

I loved that Griffith’s was pro self-diagnosis, and spent time talking about the validity of this method of understanding oneself. I really apricated how in depth she went into the nitty-gritty of audhd life and how to reframe ones thinking about self, goals and accommodations. I think the main takeaway from this book is just make a life that works for you. Even, perhaps especially if, it doesn’t look like any the scripts of how life is ‘‘supposed’’ to look. This is your life. Make it what you want.

This was a four star read for me. And I’m definitly going to be getting myself a physical copy of the book once it comes out.

[Kate Laycoax · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living with AuDHD can be very daunting, and it might be difficult to just START. As someone who is married to someone who is AuDHD and wanting to always learn more to better understand and help navigate this world, Welcome to AuDHD felt like a breath of fresh air, and a guide that is sorely needed for those who are not sure how to handle not one, but two dignoses. While I was familiar with a lot of the information, there was absolutely a lot I did not know and learned from this book. It was explained in such a clear, approachable way. It covers a wide range of topics and really helps you feel seen and understood, whether you are just starting out or have had your diagnoses for awhile and just want a book that resonates with you.

It’s definitely more of a supportive, self help style book for people who’ve already been diagnosed or are familiar with the terms, but there is a section that discusses how to get diagnosed if you suspect you may have AuDHD. One highlight for me was that the author did not shy away from discussing how autism and ADHD can often have conflicting signs and struggles, which makes living with both sometimes confusing and frustrating, but she guides you through navigating those challanges. It’s not a substitute for a specialist, but it does offer a lot of helpful insights and practical tips for everyday life. If you’re looking to better understand yourself or your loved ones, this is a great resource.

Thank you to NetGalley, Megan Griffith, and Jessica Kingsley Publishers for the eARC of this book.

[Beki W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Im not sure how you rate a book that isnt fantasy but I was kindly allowed to read this on NetGalley so thank you!

This book would be a really good intro into Autism and ADHD for those who are new to it and looking to understand a bit more about it. Its a really good start for learning about Audhd and has suggestions at the end for extra social accounts or blogs etc to follow on your Autism or adhd journey. It breaks down different aspects that we stuffle with and is really informative.

I was looking into this to see if it had any top tips on how to help on the bad audhd days and I didn't get much in terms of how to help/handle dysregulation which is what I was hoping to learn. There are some small tips but not exactly what i was looking for. However, it is a good read for those who dont know much about Audhd and reading it from the perspective of someone with it is lovely knowing you're not alone in the struggles you face.

Overall a great read and I think it would be an excellent point of reference for people learning about it for themselves or for a younger family member etc.

It has shared experiences that make you genuinely feel better knowing you're not the only one who hates everyday tasks that really are a challenge for people living with Audhd. It provides top tips on how to make it all more bearable like having a cleaning sponge wand things that stop you having to stick your hands in the horrible dish water etc.

[Titus Fortner · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got my certified diagnosis for AuDHD this week at age 49, replacing the diagnosis I was given 20 years ago for bipolar (which never felt like it really fit, but all the doctors agreed it's what I had). So, what the heck is this thing and what does it mean for me?

I'm not on TikTok, but this book felt like what I would expect from a summary of people on there describing their feelings on this subject. The focus seemed to be more about making people feel heard and provide a common cause (the constant references to intersectionality limitations, the repeated railing against the state of health care in the US and the evils of capitalism is not what I need from this book). I got a few useful tidbits, but not enough depth, and her specific experience is so different from my experience that I couldn't connect with the anecdotes, either. I got a lot more out of "AuDHD: Blooming Differently."

Also, I'm a bit annoyed that a book that was just released kept promoting a forum (her forum) that she has since shut down?

2.5 stars

[Nickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good informal look at AuDHD by someone who is AuDHD. This is an often neglected area but that is largely due to, until recently, the diagnostic criteria not allowing someone to be diagnosed with both Autism and ADHD.

Megan writes this in such a way that it is accessible but also practical for adults. It is not about parents and looking after their children who have received this diagnosis but what we as adults can do next once we are diagnosed (self or professionally) as AuDHD. It shows how it can impact work but it doesn't sugar coat the experience. Nor does it glorify it.

It's an easy read and comes with useful exercises at the end of each chapter. What I found really useful was the list of resources included at the back alongside her sources. V helpful

Thank you NetGalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers for the opportunity to read this arc.

[River riveeden Styx · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome to AuDHD is a wonderful resource for folks who are AuDHD or suspect that they are. While this book feels more aimed towards those just beginning or new to the journey, I found it helpful several years in. I was hoping for something with a little more on the day to day but still greatly enjoyed this book. This book could also be useful for loved ones of someone who is/with AuDHD despite being aimed at AuDHD folks.

This book has multiple exercises to help figure out what works for you, your brain, and your body plus many resources to check out. A lot of these resources help balance out the lack of every day tips I was hoping for in this book.

Overall it was easy to read/follow, well presented, and helpful. I will likely buy a hard copy to have as an easy reference in the future.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Nicole Normand · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC from NetGalley and I'm willingly leaving my review. Worth 2.5 stars.
The author promises "how to make dinner every single night for the rest of forever, or how to interview for, get, and keep a job without burning out" but didn't really deliver. She also lists some traits from one but not much for the other, and it's just a quick list (like 4-5 items), but I could see myself in those lists; some I didn't even know it was a trait for one or the other. I would have liked more "how to", especially with conflicting characteristics that AuDHD have. The author lived through many unfiltered sad moments in her childhood. I felt it was more of a auto-biography mixed with some help here and there. At some point, it turns to politics, and then psychology. I went to see the website from the author and it's closed; then why put it in this ARC???

[Wynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up a copy of this book on a whim, knowing a few autistic/ADHD folks and having ADHD myself. It reads like a solid beginner book, with the "welcome" part of the title being very apt, and provides a good balance between explaining, encouraging, and guiding. I would not have picked up the book had I known that the author was a life coach; I found the multiple references to the author's coaching services and paid body doubling group to be tiresome. The writing style can be best described as warm and encouraging, and while I did think this was very sweet, I also thought it was overly so in places. Overall, I would recommend this to those seeking a basic understanding of the intersection of autism and ADHD, as long as the caveats listed above don't bother you.

ARC from NetGalley.

[Slavomíra Nemčíková · Rating 4 out of 5]

coherent and cohesive, makes for a great entry point to the audhd experience. either for people who think they might be audhd, those who are diagnosed or even people close to audhd folks trying to understand their experience better. offers a compassionate way of looking at adhd and autism in yourself and others, concrete steps you can take and sources of help and information you can use. it’s amazing how much the author managed to cover (job, school, parenthood, friendships etc.) and i really appreciate how to the point and easy to understand her writing is.

took one star off only because this book wasn’t life changing for me personally, but i think it’s a great read nevertheless

thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an eARC

[Alexandra Caggiano · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW WOW WOW. As a person who received an ADHD diagnosis as a child but always felt there was a little something extra there that didn’t quite click… 😮‍💨 this book felt like coming home. It felt like being validated in the most beautiful way, it made me see myself in a more positive light and allowed me to honor all of the things I’ve done for myself while struggling all the way through. A must read if you feel like you don’t quite fit or some things just don’t make sense. A huge thank you to NetGalley for this E Arc & to Megan for writing the book that took the time to explain me to me & allow me to self diagnose. 🤍

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and easy to read, which is always appreciated! This starts off as a basic overview - which, to be fair, is to be expected from the title - and at times can be quite “surface level” discussions (not sure this is the best way to describe it but I’m too frazzled to think of another wording), however there are some real gems in here. The chapter on disability is a particular standout. I also liked how it talks very specifically about the intersection of autism and ADHD, and keeps it broad enough to allow for all experiences.

I think this would be good for anyone at the start of their journey, but there are some bits which go a bit deeper than that. Overall, a very useful book.

[satih · Rating 5 out of 5]

I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is beginning their acceptance journey with audhd (im audhd-cptsd). I cried, I laughed, got goosebumps, felt sick...I felt extremely validated with Megan's words. The pain and relief of realizing that you aren't crazy, that you've been carrying two lives inside yourself: masked you and unmasked you. There's so much grief for that inner child, sitting there in there dark, wondering why I couldn't relate to others, why I was met with off putting glances, or just disciplined until you acted "normal"... only to end up hiding deeply within and hating yourself to the point you just want it to end, but it doesnt. Read the book. It's short and worth it.

[Danielle - drops.everything.and.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Jessica Kingsley publishers for the eARC; all opinions are my own.

I always appreciate reading books about autism, adhd, and/or AudHD from people who have been diagnosed (formally or self-diagnosed) as such.
This was a good, informative read and I think would be helpful for others who are adult-diagnosed and looking to learn more and understand more.
This book could also be good for family and friends of those who have been diagnosed as adults to better understand what their loved one is experiencing and navigating.

[KatesEndlessTBR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this book made me cry practically on the first page! I wasn’t expecting that at all. I think a lot of the books I’ve read since being diagnosed AuDHD in my late thirties have been about one or the other so I have never before felt so understood. I really liked the writing style with a combination of humour, facts and life experience. It made it not only relatable but highly readable. So much so I read the whole thing on a train journey trying not to occasionally cry in public (too much).

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was blessed with an e-ARC but will definitely be buying a physical copy so that I can highlight and tab the heck out of it! The AuDHD category is just emerging but I feel like it describes myself and my oldest daughter. I devoured this book and appreciate the thoughtful cover. This book had a great blend of the personal with the professional. Definitely recommend!

[Joanne- Bookish.zebra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. As a self diagnosed 35 year old disabled woman, it really helped to reassure me and I felt it gave me the tools to request a formal diagnosis.
It was very easy to read and even though every thing was referenced and factual, it didn't over face me with scientific details.

Thank you netgally and the author for the chance to read this book 💛

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to dive into, compelling to get through, one of those books you want to keep at hand as you'll get back to specific sections over and over for a refresher. Thank you so much to NetGalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers for the advanced reader copy.

[Zora Aiden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warm, validating, and wonderfully relatable. This book explains life as an AuDHD adult with honesty and humor. It’s full of compassion and feels like chatting with a friend who really gets it. A great resource for neurodivergent readers or their loved ones. 💛

[Ashley Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative I enjoyed it and learned a lot

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book to add to the list of "books to re-read when i feel lonely and broken". Thank you to all the women out there writing about AuDHD cause books like this help women like me everyday.