Doctor explains AuDHD as Big Brother viewers have 'nothing but respect' for contestant with disorder

Big Brother has landed back on our screens this week, and Brits are loving this year's line-up on the reality show - but one housemate in particular has received a roaring reception from viewers.

Leicester-born forensic psychologist Ali Bromley is one of the new tenants taking up residence in the infamous house, and even though it's only been a few days, she's become a favourite among fans already.

It's all down to her open and honest approach to getting to know her fellow housemates, as, so far, she's been an open book - but it was her revelation about neurodiversity which really resonated with people watching from home.

While the 38-year-old was chatting to HR consultant Hanah Haji, 24, and NHS Administrator Martha Church, 26, on the sofas, she opened up about some of the conditions she lives with.

Ali, who proudly dubs herself a 'late-in-life lesbian', explained that she has been diagnosed with ADHD and also exhibits autistic traits - which, all rolled into one, is known as AuDHD.

We all know about these individually, but not a lot of people are aware what the combination of them looks like.

However, those watching Big Brother each night who also have AuDHD have been over the moon to see Ali flying the flag for them on national TV, and hopefully raising more awareness about it.

Taking to X to praise the forensic psychologist, one viewer said: "As a fellow gay neurodivergent I can safely say I love Ali, nothing but respect for her, been in the house 48 hours and actually exposed herself to her truths. We love Ali."

Another added: "I think people are forgetting that Big Brother isn’t just about drama, it’s about trying to confine yourself with strangers and learn about each other and how different everyone is. Ali is such a breath of fresh air for this."

BB housemate Ali Bromley revealed she has been diagnosed with ADHD and also exhibits autistic traits (ITV)

A third wrote: "Great to see another neurodivergent housemate take part. So proud of Ali for opening up."

While a fourth chimed in: "Ali is a neurodivergent queen. She just keeps getting better!! My current winner!"

Ali is the people's princess so far on 2024's Big Brother thanks to her candid confessions, and once you find out about exactly what AuDHD is, you'll probably appreciate her directness about the topic even more.

Autism experts Dr Michelle Garnett and Professor Tony Attwood explained that the combined condition 'describes individuals who are autistic and meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD' - which impacts the way they 'think, feel and perceive the world'.

In a 'Understanding AuDHD' post on their website, the pair wrote that some common characteristics of this include attention-related challenges, internal conflicts, time management struggles and planning issues.

ADHD and autism are essentially constantly at war with one another - with Garnett and Attwood explaining that on one hand, patients are 'focused, consistent and enjoy structure', and on the other, they are 'impulsive and hyperactive'.

People with AuDHD experience symptoms which contradict each other, doctors say (Getty Stock Photo)

Now, another doctor has broken down what the mix of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is, and how it affects those who have it.

Psychotherapist Dr Pablo Jeczmien said that there tends to be a 'significant overlap in symptoms between both conditions', which can often make it difficult for patients to get a diagnosis of AuDHD.

But in the same breath, the symptoms of each condition massively contradict each other.

Explaining the paradox which those with AuDHD deal with on a daily basis, Dr Jeczmien told Metro: "For example, an autistic brain tends to need the same structure and routine, and carefully plan things before they happen; whereas an ADHD brain easily gets bored, favouring spontaneity and novelty."

The psychotherapist said that managing these clashing elements of each condition can be very 'challenging' for people with AuDHD, as the treatment for one could probably exacerbate the other.

"Techniques that work to manage one condition might worsen another, leading to an internal tug-of-war which can be debilitating," Dr Jeczmien added.

Here's to more acknowledgement of AuDHD - nice one, Ali.