The AuDHD Push-Pull: When the Brain Wants Opposite Things

The AuDHD Push-Pull: When the Brain Wants Opposite Things

ADHD seeking stimulation while the autistic nervous system can simultaneously become overloaded by stimulation.

Science-Based: Neurobiology of Dual-Etiology AuDHD Dynamics — Educational Infographic (Printable, A2)

You will receive the printable unwatermarked version of this infographic

An in-depth, research-grounded visual exploring the paradoxical neural circuit activation in AuDHD — the interplay of dopaminergic seeking with sensory overload, where two systems pull in opposite directions.

This infographic covers:

• ADHD drive (seek, chase, engage — outward & forward): prefrontal cortex, striatum/reward circuit, dopamine motivation pathway, motor output/self-regulation
• Autism drive (protect, alert, overloaded — inward & overwhelmed): sensory input, amygdala/threat detection, brainstem, autonomic nervous system
• The push-pull conflict: both systems active at the same time, same behaviour, different causes — move/seek/engage vs. protect/alert/overwhelmed
• The ADHD drive cycle: boredom/under-arousal → novelty/reward seeking → dopamine & executive-control differences → movement or stimulation seeking
• The autism drive cycle: sensory input/uncertainty builds → sensory gating strain → limbic/autonomic arousal rises → movement, shutdown, or escape used for regulation
• What it can look like: pacing/fidgeting/restlessness, overload after stimulation, needing input yet avoiding it, shutdown or withdrawal
• What actually helps: reduce sensory load, give movement breaks, use clear language, break tasks into chunks, provide predictable structure, support regulation first
• What research points to: ADHD linked to reward-processing and arousal-regulation differences; autism linked to sensory-processing and autonomic-regulation differences; both can co-occur and interact — support should follow function, not assumptions
• Grounded in peer-reviewed research (Volkow et al. 2011; Wilens et al. 2010; Lau-Zhu et al. 2019; Owens et al. 2021; Patil et al. 2023)

What you get:

• High-resolution PDF, print-ready and scalable up to A2 (420 × 594mm)
• Instant digital download

Perfect for: SEND and clinical training, therapy rooms, staff CPD, parent carer forums, and personal understanding.

For personal, classroom, and professional educational use. Not for resale or redistribution.

© Nonspeaking Autism

Disclaimer:

This resource is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is designed to support understanding of autism, sensory processing, nervous system regulation, and behaviour from a neurodevelopmental perspective.

The information provided is not medical, psychological, therapeutic, or legal advice and should not be used as a substitute for assessment, diagnosis, or treatment by a qualified healthcare professional.

Every autistic person is unique. Strategies and supports should always be tailored to the individual's needs, strengths, and circumstances.

If a child displays a sudden change in behaviour, severe distress, signs of illness, injury, or behaviours that place themselves or others at risk, seek appropriate medical advice or emergency assistance where necessary.

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and reflects current understanding, knowledge in autism and neuroscience continues to evolve.

This resource is for the purchaser's personal, educational, or professional use only. It may not be copied, redistributed, resold, edited, shared publicly, or reproduced in whole or in part without prior written permission.

© Nonspeaking Autism 💙