AuDHD Online Summit 2026 – Day 2 Highlights
📅 22 February 2026
Day 2 of the AuDHD Online Summit 2026 deepened the conversation around ADHD, Autism, and the emerging understanding of AuDHD.
Delivered in collaboration with SEDSConnective, the second day focused on clinical insight, lived experience, and the systemic changes needed to better support neurodivergent individuals.
Speakers included:
Dr Dheeraj Chaudhary
Dr Khurram Sadiq
Emily Nuttall
AuDHD: What My Patients Have Taught Me
Dr Dheeraj Chaudhary
Dr Chaudhary opened Day 2 by emphasising the importance of creating a psychologically safe space for discussing the complexity of real-life neurodivergent experiences.
In his talk, he reflected on clinical lessons learned directly from patients. He stressed:
The importance of curiosity in psychiatry
Understanding context rather than relying solely on diagnostic tools
The patient as teacher
He highlighted that assessment forms support diagnosis, but they never replace the patient’s story. Clinical judgement must remain central.
Dr Chaudhary also addressed:
Misdiagnosis, particularly in females
Moral interpretations of behaviour instead of psychiatric understanding
The importance of multidisciplinary collaboration
While awareness of ADHD and Autism is increasing, he acknowledged that decades of misdiagnosis will take time to untangle.
AuDHD: Spectrum or Emerging Diagnosis?
Dr Khurram Sadiq
Dr Khurram Sadiq explored the intersection of ADHD and Autism and the growing recognition of AuDHD as a meaningful clinical concept.
He discussed:
Historical diagnostic limitations that separated ADHD and Autism
The reality that many individuals experience both
The need to recognise intersection rather than force separation
Drawing from both research and personal experience, Dr Sadiq emphasised that AuDHD presents in varied patterns. Treating ADHD may sometimes unmask autistic traits, and vice versa.
He also addressed:
Cultural and socioeconomic influences on diagnosis
Under-recognition in ethnic communities
The importance of outreach and education
Clinical Considerations
Dr Sadiq discussed treatment approaches, including medications such as:
Lisdexamfetamine
Methylphenidate
Atomoxetine
He emphasised slow titration and balanced care, ensuring both ADHD and autistic traits are considered.
He also highlighted:
Growing acceptance of the AuDHD terminology
The need for further research and collaboration with international diagnostic bodies
The impact of systemic trauma on neurodivergent communities
The importance of professionals trained in both ADHD and Autism
Lived Experience: Adapted Support and Identity
Emily Nuttall
Emily Nuttall delivered a powerful and deeply personal talk centred on lived experience.
She shared her journey with ADHD, Autism, and co-occurring conditions, emphasising:
The impact of masking
The cost of delayed diagnosis
The emotional toll of misdiagnosis
Emily highlighted the need for:
Affirming, strengths-based care
Clear explanations of diagnoses
Individualised support plans
Collaborative approaches involving families and professionals
She also discussed practical tools such as:
Care passports
Communication passports
Sensory passports
These tools can empower individuals and improve communication across healthcare, education, and workplace settings.
Her message was one of empowerment: neurodivergent identity should be supported, not suppressed.
Panel Discussion: Systems, Barriers, and Change
The Day 2 panel brought together clinical and lived perspectives to explore:
Workplace challenges and sensory environments
Life transitions such as menopause unmasking undiagnosed ADHD
The need for integrated neurodevelopmental services
Collaboration between professionals, families, and individuals
Speakers agreed that systemic change is required across healthcare, education, and employment sectors to ensure inclusive and effective support.
Key Message from Day 2
Day 2 reinforced three core themes:
Diagnosis must be contextual and person-centred.
ADHD and Autism frequently intersect in complex ways.
Lived experience must shape clinical practice and service design.
AuDHD is not simply a label. It reflects the reality of many individuals whose experiences have historically been misunderstood or fragmented by diagnostic systems.
🎥 Access the Full Day 2 Recording
If you missed the live sessions, you can now access the Day 2 recordings for £15.
🔗 Purchase access here:
https://summit.adhd-clinics.co.uk
For enquiries, please email: summit@adhd-clinics.co.uk
#AuDHD #ADHD #Autism #Neurodiversity #LivedExperience #OnlineSummit
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