ADHD Or Autism: What Does My Child Have?

If you see your child having trouble coping with school activities and displaying impulsive behavior, it is only natural to wonder what they are dealing with. Both ADHD and Autism are neurodevelopmental conditions that affect social interactions and make things like schoolwork, or maintaining friendships, that much harder. The two conditions, however, are entirely distinct and require different forms of treatment to maximize the child’s potential. Here, we offer a quick guide to the difference between ADHD and Autism.

Understanding ADHD and Autism

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions among children around the world. Its chief symptom is inattention, along with a tendency to daydream and be restless. While some amount of inattentiveness and restlessness may be normal, children with ADHD are unable to overcome these traits on their own even when they get older. Children also tend to be overtly active, to the point of doing reckless things or acting without thinking their actions through.

Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a range of neurodevelopmental disorders that affect social, behavioral, and communicative abilities. Children with Autism often have trouble with verbal and nonverbal communication, as well as heightened sensitivity to sounds, smells, or colors. Since it is a spectrum disorder, no two children’s symptoms are exactly alike. Treatment for Autism can involve a combination of Stem Cell Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, Social Skills Therapy, and Occupational Therapy.

ADHD vs Autism: Telling them apart

There are several things that ADHD and Autism have in common. In fact, a child may even have both ADHD as well as Autism. Medical specialists continue to research the overlap between the conditions, with current estimates showing that 30-50% of children with Autism also have symptoms of ADHD. Some of the symptoms that a child with either condition might display include: 

• Difficulty understanding and responding to social cues

• Difficulty paying attention to what people are saying

• Tendency to fidget or interrupt during conversations

• Tendency to do impulsive or apparently illogical things

• Difficulty following instructions or rules

• Meltdowns and/or tantrums

• Sensitivity to sensory inputs like sounds or smells

There are, however, distinct symptoms that set each condition apart. When trying to determine between ADHD and Autism as an explanation for your child’s behavioral tendencies, keep the following in mind.

• Adherence to routine: Children with Autism tend to prefer the same routine day in and day out, be it their school schedule or their meals, and may react negatively to any change. Children with ADHD, on the other hand, usually find it difficult to adhere to routine of any kind.

• Focus on tasks: Children with Autism may focus for hours on tasks or activities that they enjoy while avoiding the ones they don’t. On the other hand, children with ADHD tend to have trouble focusing on anything for too long, regardless of whether they like it or not.

• Conversation: Children with Autism may struggle to express what they are feeling verbally, and tend to have lower social awareness about things like emotions or body language. Children with ADHD do not usually have trouble expressing themselves. Instead, they may talk non-stop, to the point of interrupting other people or trying to monopolize the talk.

• Personal connections: Children with Autism may have trouble making eye contact, may resist physical affection such as cuddling, and either not understand or show no interest in understanding other people’s feelings. Children with ADHD do not have trouble with these things. However, their fidgety behavior and tendency to interrupt may make it harder to form friendships.

• Age of appearance: Symptoms of Autism will usually show up by the time a child is 5 years old, and may even appear as early as 2-3 years of age. Symptoms of ADHD, however, may not be noticeable until much later, often when the child is as old as 10-12 years.

If you suspect that your child may have either ADHD or Autism, it is essential to take them for a check-up as soon as possible. The doctor may observe the child’s behavior and collect feedback from you and other caregivers and teachers, either verbally or through formal surveys. Then, once you have a diagnosis, your child can start tailored treatment as recommended by a therapist. Above all, remember that your child deserves patience, support, and demonstrations of love, just like any other child. This will enable them to do their best and keep adjusting better every day, while remaining their unique selves.

Plexus Neuro and Stem Cell Research Centre have solutions that will get your child smiling again with confidence. If you have any questions or are looking for Autism or ADHD treatment, we are here to help! All you have to do is give us a call to +9189048 42087 or schedule an appointment with us today.