This is a fascinating and frequently–asked question. We often hear that autism and ADHD are both on the neuro-divergent spectrum and therefore have an inherent connection. However, after 35 years of seeing these conditions firsthand, I will tell you that while there are similarities in how the condition impacts children’s daily functioning, ASD and ADHD are clearly different and distinct.
Autism and ADHD Core Symptoms
When considering the core symptoms of the two conditions, the differences become clear. The core symptoms of ADHD are impulsivity, distractibility, and overactivity. The core symptoms of autism include persistent deficits in social communication social interactions, and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.
Similarities and Differences
In regards to the core symptoms, those with autism can be quite attentive and focused on their favorite activities. Moreover, children with ADHD are not obsessive or repetitive in their behaviors.
The Extent of Social Awkwardness
Autism and ADHD are similar in how they impact a child’s functioning in life. The conditions impact particular areas of life in the same way but for different reasons. For example, children with ADHD tend to be overbearing, super enthusiastic, “over-the-top”, and rambunctious. Their behavior may be seen as “too much” and therefore peers may shy away. Children with autism also have social difficulties but for different reasons. For example, a child with autism may struggle with social interactions because they talk incessantly about their favorite topic, or may stand too close, abruptly begin or end an interaction, or not understand how to navigate through a social encounter. The child with autism, however, often does not pick up on social cues and presents as somewhat socially peculiar and awkward. This is often not the case with children diagnosed with ADHD.
Distractibility with Autism and ADHD
A child with ADHD obviously struggles with distractibility, which is the cardinal feature of the disorder. Children with ADHD often want to pay attention, are trying to pay attention, and have every intention of doing so. It is just really hard for them to do so.
However, a child with autism typically is preoccupied with some other internal stimuli such that they don’t pay attention because they simply want to focus on something else instead. They may be thinking about dinosaurs or trains, or have their own agenda - there’s no intent to disrespect, it’s just that they have their own agenda and tend to stick to it.
Regulating Emotions
It’s quite clear that children with autism or ADHD tend to be more emotional than other kiddos - they both have a hard time controlling their reactions. However, again, the reasons tend to be different. Children with ADHD have difficulty with rejection and redirection, and simply have a hard time controlling their emotions. Keep in mind that ADHD is considered to be a disorder of executive functions, one of the executive functions is ‘emotional regulation’. We often see, with medication management, and the subsequent improvement of executive functions, that a child is more attentive, focused, and more emotionally under control.
Children with autism also tend to struggle with their emotions because of the inherent signs and symptoms of autism. In that respect, a child with autism tends to be quite rigid and has a strong need for sameness. When the routine is interrupted, the kiddo has a hard time and can become quite emotional. Children with autism often have their own agenda and have their own way of doing things - they marched to a different beat. Consequently, when redirected, there is a propensity for emotion because “they just don’t quite get it”. Consequently, as one might expect, the treatment process is quite different between these two conditions.
The Differences Between Autism and ADHD
Those are three primary areas where ADHD and autism tend to differ. Both conditions present challenges in regard to sociality, distractibility, and emotions, but they do have several different factors. I hope this post helps to clarify and it stands to reason that, as a result, the treatment process would be different between a child with ADHD and a child with autism. If you have any questions or wish to pursue an evaluation or treatment, feel free to follow up at DrCarosso@aol.com and see more posts at HelpForYourChild.com and the AutismCenterofPgh.com.
