Working Together: Strategies for Success with a Teammate Who Has AuDHD

The office hums with activity, yet your teammate seems overwhelmed. They might have exceptional attention to detail but struggle with social cues, or perhaps they excel at brainstorming but miss deadlines. These could be signs of AuDHD, the co-occurrence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). While it might seem complex, understanding AuDHD can equip you to work effectively and collaboratively with your teammate.

Understanding AuDHD: A Unique Combination

AuDHD is a term used to describe individuals who exhibit characteristics of both ASD and ADHD. This can manifest in a variety of ways, but some common traits include:

• Attention challenges: Difficulty focusing, hyperactivity, or impulsivity (from the ADHD)
• Social difficulties: Challenges with social interaction, communication, or understanding nonverbal cues (from the ASD)
• Sensory sensitivities: Heightened sensitivity to noise, light, or touch (common in both ASD and ADHD)
• Strengths: Exceptional focus on detail, strong analytical skills, creative problem-solving (can be present in both conditions)

Building Bridges: Communication Strategies for Success

• Embrace Direct Communication: Clear, concise language is key. Avoid sarcasm, idioms, and figurative speech, which can be easily misinterpreted.
• Focus on the "What" Before the "Why": Provide clear instructions and expectations upfront. Focus on the task at hand and avoid lengthy explanations of the rationale.
• Respect Individual Preferences: Some AuDHD individuals prefer written communication, while others thrive in face-to-face interactions (be open to finding what works best).
• Offer Breaks and Alone Time: Overstimulation can be a challenge. Respect their need for quiet spaces or short breaks to recharge.

Collaboration Strategies: Unlocking Potential

• Leverage Strengths: Recognize the unique strengths your AuDHD colleague brings to the team. Perhaps they have a knack for detail-oriented tasks, excel at data analysis, or possess a specialized skill set.
• Embrace Patience: Processing information and responding might take a bit longer. Be patient, allow them time to formulate their thoughts, and avoid interrupting.
• Chunk Information and Utilize Visual Aids: Break down complex tasks into smaller steps and use charts, graphs, or project management tools to enhance understanding.
• Celebrate Differences: A neurodiverse team offers a broader range of perspectives and problem-solving approaches. Embrace these differences and create a culture of inclusion and respect.

Remember:

• Open Communication is Key: Talk openly with your colleague about their AuDHD and discuss any accommodations that might be helpful (e.g., noise-canceling headphones, flexible deadlines).
• Education is Empowering: Learning more about AuDHD can dispel myths and foster understanding within the team.
• Focus on the Person, Not the Label: Every person with AuDHD is an individual. Get to know your colleague as a person, with their unique strengths, personality, and work style.
• *By creating a workplace that embraces clear communication, celebrates diverse strengths, and fosters collaboration, we can unlock the full potential of every team member, regardless of neurodiversity. **

Share your experiences working with AuDHD teammates! What tips do you have for fostering a successful and inclusive work environment?