Occupational therapist of my son mentions me that my son has a problem with attention so that is why I am seeking an answer between ADHD and autism. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a mental disorder of children. Children with ADHD are hyperactive, impulsive and have trouble paying attention. Autism is also a mental condition that affects the communication and social skills of children. Symptoms of ADHD and autism may overlap that sometime children maybe incorrectly diagnosed with one condition rather than the other. The newest version of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM-V) stated that a person can be diagnosed with both ADHD and autism.
Some similarities of ADHD and autism symptoms
- Difficulties with paying attention. Both ADHD and autism may have hyperfocus, intense focus on select topic or interest.
- Hyperacidity behavior. A kid with both disorder may be restless, constantly on the go, talking excessively, and fidgety
- Impulsive behavior. They act impulsively without recognizing the consequences of their action such as engaging themselves in a risky or dangerous behavior and interrupting others.
- Sensory integration disorder. The person with this disorder is a condition when sensory signals don’t get organized into appropriate responses. For instance, a child may over respond to sensation and find clothing, lights, sound, food, touch or other sensory input unbearable.
- Difficulty in making friends. They have both trouble with social interactions such as avoiding eye contact and inability
Some differences of ADHD and autism symptoms
- The social and communication skills is more impaired with an autistic children
- The children with ADHD is more capable of engaging and connecting with other person
- Children with autism or Asperger syndrome may have not have an ability to guess or imagine people’s feelings, thoughts and intention than children with ADHD.
- Autistic children may have more stereotyped behavior such as repetitive and ritualistic behavior.