Are autism and ADHD one and the same? Are children able to have both ADHD and autism? What can parents do to tell the difference? Let’s see how they look alike and how we can tell the difference.
It is easy to see how autism and ADHD (attention deficit disorder), can be confused. Both conditions have many symptoms that overlap. Hyperactivity, inattention, social interaction, and hyperactivity can all be common.
Autism or ADHD can make a child impulsive or cause them to have difficulty sharing and taking turns in games.
Autism and ADHD explained
Autism spectrum disorder refers to a group of related developmental disorders that affect language skills, behavior, and learning ability.
ADHD is a neurodevelopment disorder that affects the brain’s growth and development. It can make it more difficult to pay attention, stay still, or think before you act.
There are people with both ADHD and autism.
What are the differences?
There are subtle differences between children with ADHD and autism.
Their attention span is the first thing that makes them different.
- Autism can make it difficult for a child to focus on a task they don’t like. However, they will find something that interests them and be absorbed for hours.
- ADHD children are likely to have a short attention span, even if they are doing something that they enjoy.
Communication is the next major difference. Both children with these conditions may have difficulty interacting with others but in different ways.
- Autism can make it difficult for children with autism to communicate their feelings. They may also not be able to use common conversation cues like eye contact or gestures.
- ADHD children may be impulsive and talk non-stop. They might not notice how others feel about their words.
Children with ADHD and autism may have different reactions to routines.
- Autism may make a child feel more secure if they have a routine to follow. If something is changed, such as the time they read a book before bed, they might get upset or anxious.
- A child with ADHD is not likely to like routine. ADHD children are more likely to be bored than normal, which can lead to impulsive behavior in structured environments such as school.
What is the difference between treatments for ADHD/autism?
Both ADHD and autism treatment options can differ depending on how severe the condition is and how severely it affects daily life.
Both medication and behavior therapy can be helpful with these conditions. Additional therapy might be recommended for autism. This includes counseling, education support, and occupational therapy.
Both can be treated early by diagnosing the child and their family. It’s best to talk to your doctor or pediatrician if you have concerns that your child may be suffering from ADHD or autism.