ADHD vs. Autism: What's the Difference?

ADHD and autism might seem like two completely different disorders. It’s often fairly easy to discern one or the other based on social interactions and behaviors.

But, there are several symptoms of both ADHD and autism that can overlap, making it more difficult to distinguish between the two. This can be especially problematic for children with one (or both) of these conditions.

Being able to receive a proper diagnosis is essential when it comes to the right kind of treatment and management. So, what’s the difference between ADHD and autism?

Looking for Signs in Children

Both ADHD and autism are often viewed as children’s disorders. But they aren’t always diagnosed right away. Sometimes, they’re misdiagnosed as other things. Or, the symptoms might be mild enough not to seek out a professional opinion.

It’s important to note that autism can be recognized earlier than ADHD — typically before the age of three. Your young child might have trouble communicating, or they might avoid social contact altogether.

Children with ADHD, on the other hand, might not show signs until they’re a bit older. They might have difficulty concentrating. When it comes to social interaction, they’re more likely to be impulsive with what they say, and they might even talk too much due to hyperactivity.

How Are ADHD and Autism Similar?

These two disorders sometimes get confused because of the common threads woven between them. Some of those similarities include impulsivity, lack of focus, difficulty organizing themselves, keeping track of time, etc. They also might face challenges when it comes to interacting with others and making friends.

While autism and ADHD can look similar in some ways, getting the underlying cause right is essential, whether you’re trying to diagnose a child or an adult. That’s why it’s important to note more subtle symptoms like body language skills or speech issues.

It’s also important to understand the potential causes of each disorder. Some of the most common causes of ADHD include genetics, environmental risks, alcohol or tobacco use by a parent when pregnant, and premature delivery. All of those things can also trigger autism in a child, but it’s also more likely for children born with autism to have specific genetic disorders that contribute to the way their brain functions.

Can You Have Both?

A dual diagnosis of autism and ADHD didn’t become possible until 2013. Studies have shown that more than half of children diagnosed with autism have ADHD symptoms. This shouldn’t come as a major surprise since both disorders are reflective of neurodevelopmental issues.

So, yes, you can have both autism and ADHD overlapping each other, or you can have one condition without the other. This should only serve as another reason why it’s so important to receive an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment Options

Treatment for ADHD and autism are very different. If you or your child is diagnosed with ADHD, you’ll likely manage your symptoms with a combination of prescription medication and therapy. Currently, there are no pharmaceutical treatment options that help with the symptoms of autism. However, if autism is leading to issues like anxiety or depression, certain mental health medications can help.

Most autism treatments involve specific types of therapy, including behavioral therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.

People with ADHD can benefit from ADHD therapy, but they’re also likely to learn things like occupational skills and training.

It can be hard to tell the difference between ADHD and autism if you aren’t exactly sure what to look for. If you’re a parent and you suspect that your child might have one of these disorders, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help. A diagnosis is the first step toward getting the right kind of treatment. Contact me today for more information.