AuDHD: Blooming Differently

by Leanne Maskell, Dr Becky Quicke

Living with AuDHD is like being a unicorn—misunderstood, contradictory, and often invisible to others. You shine with creativity and innovation, but struggle to fit in - always feeling 'too much'. Autism and ADHD pull you in opposite directions, creating a lifetime of contradictions no one else can see.

AuDHD isn’t listed in diagnostic manuals because until 2013, you couldn’t be diagnosed with both conditions - despite a co-occurrence rate of approximately 50-70%. These two neurotypes often clash, like opposing magnets in the brain.

ADHD craves novelty; autism resists change.ADHD misses details; autism hyper-focuses on them.ADHD perceives time as ‘now or not now’; autism sticks rigidly to schedules.ADHD seeks stimulation; autism is easily overwhelmed.ADHD thrives in chaos; autism needs structure.ADHD says yes; autism says no.Autism makes the rules, ADHD breaks them. If you’re exhausted reading this, just imagine what it’s like to live it.

Leanne Maskell was diagnosed with ADHD at 25, but it took 7 more years to learn she was also autistic. Blooming Differently chronicles her turbulent journey—from a childhood of vulnerability and trauma to a high-achieving model and lawyer, outwardly successful but inwardly struggling.

The book exposes the relentless burnout of not understanding your brain and the power of self-awareness in finally thriving. Today, Leanne is a successful author, coach, and National Specialist Coach of the Year.

More than just a memoir, this book offers practical insights for AuDHD individuals and those who support them—essential for psychiatrists, educators, and anyone seeking to understand neurodivergence.

With lived experience and professional expertise, Blooming Differently is an honest and transformative guide to rewriting the neurodivergent narrative.

Praise for Blooming Differently

"This is the book the AuDHD community desperately needs, a true savour! So many 'that's me' and 'I wish I knew this sooner!' moments. Amazing!" - Alex Partridge, ADHD Chatter

“This is a comprehensive and compassionate guide that shines a wonderful, rainbow-coloured light on what it means to be an AuDHDer. It will likely save some lives.” - Dr Becky Quicke, Clinical Psychologist and Founder of Autistic Girls

"Finally, a book that truly highlights the interconnectedness of neurodivergent neurotypes! Leanne Maskell offers a vital AuDHD lens, sharing life-saving insights, practical tips, and deeply personal experiences of being both Autistic and ADHD—an experience where many medical and educational institutions are only just beginning to connect the dots.

When I was in a monotropic flow, devouring books for answers to 'Am I autistic?' and 'Do I have ADHD?', I craved lived-experience stories like this. This book would have provided the tools to trust my own ability to identify my neurodivergence, whilst providing an invaluable heads-up to the diagnosis and medication journey ahead - ultimately, empowering me toward self-advocacy and self-acceptance.

If you’re AuDHD, this book will make you cry tears of validation and truth, for your past self, and for the future you can now envision.

Genres: Nonfiction, Adhd, Psychology, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Self Help, Audiobook, Neuroscience

335 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 17, 2025

Reviews

[Emily Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leanne has a wonderful talent of making people feel truly seen and understood. ‘AuDHD: Blooming Differently’ blends her life experiences, scientific research and practical advice in such a validating and empowering way. I have learned so much from Leanne and I will be always be grateful to her for the wisdom she shares. She makes this world a better place. 🩷

[Titus Fortner · Rating 5 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?

First of all, this is beautifully written and the audio book is excellently narrated by the author. I just gave a poor review to "Welcome to AuDHD: How to Survive (and Thrive) as an Adult with Autism and ADHD" partly because I couldn't connect with the anecdotes of that author in a way that worked for me. I absolutely haven't experienced what this author has (wow), but the way she is able to dissect and explain her feelings and the reasons she reacted to things the way she did, I *could* relate to, allowing me to recognize different expressions of some of the same underlying tendencies. This book has the depth I was looking for, and is obviously informed by a lot of the coaching she has done. Highly recommended.

4.5 stars

[Sarah Boon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and there were certainly parallels from my own life that resonated that hadn’t been entirely captured in books solely focusing on autism and ADHD. Especially in the parts of the book that were written in a memoir format.

The only reason I’m giving 4 rather than 5 is that I have prior knowledge in this area and I was already familiar with lots that is covered in the book. There wasn’t too much that was new to me several years down the line after discovering my own AuDHD, plus publishing my own book about young people’s experiences of AuDHD last year!

However, younger Sarah would have benefited greatly from this book! I think for people just discovering their AuDHD or questioning if they are, this would be a 5* read!

[Michelle Pasos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just the right combo for an AuDHD brain. There’s a consistency and predictability in each chapter’s layout - ending with bullet-point tips to summarize - along with the novelty of starting each one with her personal experiences and life stories. Was it her style of writing or the shared diagnoses that made me feel so seen in this book? Perhaps both. Either way, I’m grateful.

[Lizzie Jefferies · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part autobiography, part self-help and part carer advice, plenty about this book resonated. One star deducted because it's poorly edited (that's on the publisher not the author), but overlooking that, it's worth a read for anyone who is, suspects they might be or is being assessed for autism and/or ADHD, and the loved one of neurodivergent people

[Jayne Wilkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing and extremely validating 🩷🙌

[Gery · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.4 ⭐

[alexander shay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't realize until Maskell mentioned it in the text that she's the author of ADHD an A to Z. Given what I thought about that one, I was surprised how much more I got out of this one, but as someone who leans more into the autism than the adhd of audhd, having the autism included made way more connections to me. Maskell covers just about every aspect of audhd you can, from symptoms to childhood to teenage years to adult, diagnosis (including late), and gives a lot of her personal life as examples. I would still say that, like the previous book, the tips given at the end of the chapters are still a bit vague to me, not many are actionable as they are without dedication or outside help. But what benefitted me the most was having things I have thought or done also thought or done by another person, and understanding a lot of the social and psychological difficulties Maskell had as an undiagnosed audhd.

[Selma · Rating 3 out of 5]

It should be noted that the author is from the UK, so hearing some of the advice is like, "huh, interesting" from an American perspective on how to deal with the NHS's waiting lists. (Not anti-universal healthcare btw).

Conversely, her advice to seek HR for help? For resources? For advice? HR 👏 is 👏 not 👏 your 👏 friend 👏. You will have to go to them, but do your own research and err on the side of less disclosure.

I feel like all the advice and resources was at the end. This book is an autobiography/memoir, so if you just want resources/tips, probably get another book.

[Michelle P · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great. It was so validating and really made you feel understood. It was a great balance of personal story and information. Highly recommend!

[Ricky · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciate that more books on this topic are gradually becoming available, but I wish this book had a co-author more experienced in science writing. I didn't find much of the autobiographical content engaging or frequently even relevant, and I wished that the science parts felt less like reading social media posts. I got the audiobook through audible and seriously considered returning it many times but ultimately powered through it.

[Charlotte Hackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a while to: a) get around to reading this and b) finish this. A) was due to PDA and my coach sending this to me to read, then B), ironically, was due to starting a reading log, telling myself I’d write notes on what resonated, holding myself to too high of a standard, and putting myself off.

This book is beautiful. The balance of memoir, connection of certain behaviours to AuDHD, understanding of the paradoxes of this dual-diagnosis, and relevant advice/support for both AuDHDers and their loved ones speaks to Leanne’s sincere desire to help others. I feel very lucky to be alive at the same time as her, and to be coached by someone who has learned from her.

Towards the end of the book, Leanne discusses identification of your values as key to self-acceptance for AuDHDers, and to me it is so important that she doesn’t simply discuss productivity or RSD (etc), but the importance of knowing yourself, showing up for yourself and being someone that you are proud of.

I feel seen, overwhelmed, grateful, and ready to cry.

Note to self: read her other book
2nd note to self: I want to read her Covid fiction ft. Boris Johnson and assorted cabinet members

[Anna M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

While not officially diagnosed with Autism, I am diagnosed with ADHD and reading about other women's experiences who for years have been misdiagnosed, first with anxiety, or depression, or bipolar, only to find out that they have BOTH ADHD and Autism, is very affirming for me.

I recognise myself in their struggles so much, as ADHD and Autism not only show up differently in women, making it harder to diagnose separately, they also somehow cancel each other out when it comes to outwardly showing symptoms.

Books like this are incredibly helpful for those who can't receive the right diagnosis due to poor access to health care, but also for those who struggle expressing their struggles to others, and can use this book as a guide.

Even though I don't have a diagnosis of Autism, this book (like others by AuDHD women) confirms my suspicions and also validates my experiences and my feelings about it.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished and feeling relieved and supported and a little less lost. I don’t think anyone has described my own story this closely before. It was nice to hear another adult woman describe her own AuDHD experience, outside of the usual elementary school boy lens.

The first book I have finished in a long time, although it was a bit of a hyperfixation, but I did it. I like the way each chapter is structured, with her personal experience first, how it relates to AuDHDers, then important takeaways for AuDHDers and their loved ones.

Other reviews mention Autism Speaks. In the version I have, Autism Speaks was not mentioned. Maskell mentions Chat GPT twice in the book, saying that she has used it in the past, and saying at least once that it was unhelpful. She does not ever recommend Chat GPT to anyone.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have ADHD it is definitely an eye opening read. Neurodivergent has only recently become a buzz word but this cross diagnosis AuDHD isn’t new. Just not researched well, difficult to diagnose, and not necessarily treatable.
Aside from the modeling career I found a good deal of the author’s stories relatable, especially in her school age- adult years.

[Zach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohhh Brilliant. the first half is her life story, which is BRUTAL. But, you understand and empathize soooooo much if you're truly audhd bc you get it.

Second half is detailed detailed info on both adhd and autism support, diagnosis, acceptance, and most importantly dealing with the GRIEF and PAIN.

Must read.

[Agata]

The book is valuable, but I wish it had a professional editor. In the current state, it is extremely repetitive. Also, it wouldn't hurt to extract the information on UK-specific difficulties and advice into a separate chapter. It really doesn't apply to most of us, you know ;)

[Hannah Webb · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF, Maybe it’s my own neurodivergent brain but I didnt care for the high level of the authors personal experiences that often felt like a reach to connect to AUDHD related characteristics, and some of the “tips” felt harmful and uneducated.

[Monika Jezewska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book by Leanne for all us Neurodivergent and a little lost! Highly recommend!

[Kat]

No rating because I didn’t finish it. I wasn’t really enthusiastic about this one. It’s very focussed on AuDHD in childhood. Would recommend for parents and teachers of AuDHD kids.

[Denim]

Had some “aha” moments, especially around keeping it simple during big transitions. i 🩷 audhders educating audhders.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.2/5 lots to think about. deeply helpful.

[Tony R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook version and loved that Leanne narrated it herself. She even mentioned that she hated doing it, which honestly made me appreciate it even more. It gave the whole thing a personal and authentic feel.

I listened while traveling for work, at the airport and on my flights, and found it incredibly enjoyable. It felt like she was telling me her story while we sat across the table from each other or sitting side by side on a flight, which made it both relatable and engaging.

There was a duplicate editing slip in there, but honestly, as someone with AuDHD, it felt on brand and I actually appreciated it for that reason.

I really enjoyed the balance between personal stories and the factual, educational parts about AuDHD. It gave me a little push to keep going with my own writing about my experiences, and for that, I’m grateful.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay. I have thoughts.

First of all, I'm going to start with the parts that I think are not great and even potentially harmful. I have put the page number of the PB edition in my reading updates where I have spotted these:
- ChatGPT is mentioned and promoted throughout the book, including in the resources section. Even when this book was written (earlier this year, so it seems), people knew about the horrendous impact of generative AI on the environment, not to mention that it steals from creatives. It's also actually negatively impacting our brains as well! https://time.com/7295195/ai-chatgpt-g...
- Autism Speaks is cited as a source on multiple occasions. It's been known for YEARS that they are harmful (https://autisticadvocacy.org/wp-conte...). While they are not outwardly promoted in the book, just citing them is still giving them airtime. [ETA: when I say cited as a source I mean it is literally in the footnotes, not mentioned in the actual body of text, just to clarify!]
- There are multiple mistakes in terminology. "Tritation" is used instead of titration, and the levels system as described in the 'Key Terms' section is incorrect - level one is actually the lowest level of support needs, whereas the book uses level three as the lowest. A quick Google just to check could have sorted this out.
- This book could have benefitted from some serious editing - there were spelling and punctuation mistakes throughout. I also think it would have benefitted from a sensitivity reader who could pick these things up.

I'm only being picky here because I think this book could genuinely help people, and I don't want to see that marred by the above. I love that it speaks about AuDHD as a whole, rather than splitting autism and ADHD up like I've seen in other books. I think Leanne is very brave to speak about her experiences; the good, the bad, and the ugly. She has obviously helped a lot of people and will go on to help even more people with this book. While a lot of it was stuff I already knew, I think again this will be a valuable resource for people at the start of their AuDHD journeys. It didn't 100% work for me - I think because I noticed one mistake and then I kept noticing them - but I think it will work for others.

[Bridie Tulloch · Rating 4 out of 5]

After receiving my own AuDHD diagnosis earlier this year, listening to autobiographies written by other late diagnosed AuDHD women has been validating, however although there were many similarities and relatable moments in each chapter of this book, I’m learning that being diagnosed at age 25 as this author was, is very different to being diagnosed at 50.

Unfortunately my own experience was to go through decades of trauma and addiction prior to my own very late diagnosis, which adds context but also layers of confusion caused by the complexities of post traumatic stress disorder impacting memory retrieval, and sense making.
This provides limitations in the meaning making process from this diagnosis and what can be pieced together from my fragments of historical accounts provided during the assessment process and afterwards in therapy.

My autobiography differs too, because my autistic parent died very prematurely leaving my ADHD parent who I have a very superficial attachment with, alive.

Other differences are highlighted in comparing profiles, as the author speaks of having a messy bedroom as a teenager whereas my need for order overruled my ADHD disorganisation, and my bedroom was immaculate, although I was internally very disorganised from my late teens onwards, and drug abuse prevailed.

I guess it’s true what they say that if you’ve met one autistic person, you’ve met one autistic person because although I have the same duel diagnosis as the author, our autobiographical accounts are very different.

[Malcolm Morrison]

in case it wasn’t obvious