What's The Difference Between ADHD and Autism? All You Need To Know

Children develop their unique personalities as they grow up, and some of them become more mischievous and inattentive than others. However, certain behaviors do call for closer attention from parents. This includes difficulties in processing social and nonverbal cues along with frequent tantrums and meltdowns. 

These could be signs of ADHD or Autism, or even both together. Since both are neurodevelopmental conditions that require their treatment plans, it is essential to identify them as soon as possible. Read on to know more about what the two conditions look like.

Understanding Autism

Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a range of neurodevelopmental disorders that affect social, behavioral, and communicative abilities. Children with Autism tend to find it harder to communicate effectively and are often unable to adjust to social environments. The best Autism treatment combines Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Social Skills Therapy — designed to help children function effectively in social settings.

Similarities between ADHD and Autism

Like Autism, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the child’s ability to interact normally in social situations. In many cases, ADHD may coexist with Autism. Hence, it can be easy to confuse one with the other as they have similar symptoms. 

Children with ADHD and Autism tend to exhibit symptoms such as:

• Difficulty in processing social cues

• Inability to sit still

• Tendency to fidget and fiddle with things

• Trouble focusing on a particular task

• Frequent tantrums and meltdowns

• Problems with understanding nonverbal cues in conversation

• Difficulties in paying attention when other people are talking

• Tendency to speak without thinking or recognizing the impact of their words on the other person’s feelings

Differences between ADHD and Autism

• Condition: ADHD affects the way the child’s brain grows and develops. On the other hand, Autism affects language and social skills as well as the ability to learn. 

• Tantrums: Children with ADHD may have tantrums due to frustration or their inability to control their impulses. Children with Autism have tantrums owing to sensory processing issues that trigger deep anxiety and frustration.

• Routine: Children with ADHD find it difficult to follow a routine and stay organized. By contrast, children with Autism can get upset or have a meltdown if there are even slight changes to the routine they expect.

• Communication style: Children with ADHD are likely to talk constantly, interrupt others, or monopolize a conversation. Children with Autism, on the other hand, may have difficulty even expressing their thoughts verbally.

• Attention span: Children with ADHD will usually find it difficult to concentrate on any task for too long. Children with Autism, on the other hand, may display an obsessive interest in certain subjects.

• Developmental delays: Children with ADHD typically follow a normal pace for speech development and emotional display. Children with Autism may show developmental delays in this regard.

Treatment for ADHD and Autism

If you as a parent are concerned about your child’s behavioral symptoms, it is essential to get them diagnosed right away. A pediatrician can conduct the right tests to understand your child’s symptoms and gather information about their behavior from you, other caregivers, and their teachers at school or daycare. Following this, the pediatrician can make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment, which usually takes the form of behavior therapy for a child with ADHD. 

With Autism, it is crucial to start the best Autism treatment as soon as possible to address any significant developmental delays. A combination of Occupational Therapy, Social Skills Training, and Speech Therapy will give your child the tools they need to respond normally in social situations without feeling triggered or distressed.

Both ADHD and Autism can be frustrating for your child to cope with, especially when they see other children behaving normally and can’t understand why they aren’t able to do the same. Both conditions are highly treatable, however, and your child can still learn and develop with their peers once you have the right tools in place. The sooner you get the right diagnosis, the sooner your child can pick up the social and behavioral skills they need, and the happier and more fulfilling their lives will be.