ADHD vs Autism: Is ADHD a Form of Autism?

Many tend to assume ADHD and autism are the same or associated with one another. The truth is ADHD does not fall on the autism spectrum. Yet, they do have some similar symptoms, which is where the confusion may lie. In fact, being diagnosed with autism may increase one’s chances of having ADHD.

So, let’s explore this in more detail. What do ADHD and autism have in common? How are they different? Let’s find out!

The Similarities Between ADHD vs Autism

The symptoms of ADHD and autism can present very similarly. For instance, in both cases, your child may have difficulty paying attention to a single task. Usually, in autism, this is a byproduct of understanding or language. In ADHD, this is a trademark symptom that many children struggle with (but certain strategies can help, such as those explored with coaching at Pathways Neuropsychology Associates).

However, children with ADHD and autism both may struggle to socialize. Children with ADHD, specifically, may have difficulty socializing due to problems with listening, sharing, taking turns, and picking up on certain social cues.

Meanwhile, with autism, it’s different. Children with autism may have difficulty learning social skills without proper instruction and often socialize and understand differently from other children. However, these skills can be learned in different social settings.

The unfortunate side of the similarities between ADHD and autism is that they can lead to misdiagnosis. This is why a proper neuropsychological evaluation is so important.

So… Is There a Link?

As mentioned above, if you have autism, it’s more likely you will face an ADHD diagnosis as well. Research shows that ADHD and autism frequently tend to co-occur.

Additionally, children with either autism or ADHD (or both) usually benefit from similar interventions, such as having a set schedule or routine. At the same time, therapies and medications may greatly vary between the two, indicating the importance of a proper diagnosis.

If you’re interested in a neuropsychology evaluation for your child, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Pathways Neuropsychology Associates. After the initial evaluation, we will work together to determine the best strategies and interventions to help your child succeed.