Autism vs ADHD: Explaining the Difference Between the Two

When looking into neurodevelopmental disorders, pinpointing the distinction between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be quite difficult. Since the symptoms of both disorders overlap or seem similar at first glance, many people wonder what the difference between autism and ADHD is. For instance, they both might show impulsiveness and experience delayed speech development.

Actually, the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD vs autistic disorder alter significantly. For a parent, educator, or anyone just curious about how to tell the difference between ADHD and autism, this post will discuss the key distinctions, diagnosis methods, and treatment approaches of both ADHD and autism. 

What is Autism?

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a developmental disorder that affects communication, behavior, and social interaction in various degrees. People with autism may have difficulty understanding social cues, engage in repetitive behaviors, and have a range of sensory sensitivities. Autism is called a “spectrum” disorder because its impact varies widely among individuals, from mild to severe.

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterized by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that are not typical for the person’s age. Those with ADHD might struggle to stay focused, sit still, or wait their turn. ADHD affects people’s behavior in school, work, and social situations.

Sometimes, the symptoms of these conditions can appear quite similar, which can make it challenging to tell them apart. Now, what is the difference between ADHD and autism? Only a thorough medical evaluation by an expert clinician can accurately determine whether a patient has one, another, or both.

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How Are ADHD and Autism Diagnosed?

Diagnosis for ADHD vs autistic disorder involves a comprehensive evaluation that includes medical exams, interviews, discussions, and observations of an individual’s developmental and behavioral history by healthcare professionals. There is no single test to diagnose either condition; rather, specialists look for patterns of behavior that match the criteria outlined in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).

Before arriving at a diagnosis of autism or ADHD, healthcare providers perform a series of evaluations and inquiries to eliminate other potential causes for the observed behaviors, such as anxiety or learning disabilities.

To identify ADHD, healthcare professionals search for consistent behavioral patterns such as distractibility, forgetfulness, inability to follow through on tasks, difficulty waiting for turns, and restlessness. 

The process of diagnosing autism often begins with parents completing a questionnaire about their child’s early behaviors. The evaluation may expand to include additional questionnaires, surveys, and checklists, along with interviews and direct observation of the child’s activities.

What’s the Relationship Between Autism and ADHD?

ADHD and autism similarities and differences have shown that there is a relationship between autism and ADHD. While they are distinct neurodevelopmental disorders, without a doubt, there are similarities between ADHD and autism. Both conditions can affect individuals’ social interactions, communication skills, and behavior patterns. Here are some symptoms that people with ADHD and autism often share:

• Social challenges: people with either condition may struggle with social cues and maintaining relationships. They might find it difficult to interpret body language or tone of voice, leading to awkward social interactions.

• Focus and attention issues: While ADHD is characterized by attention difficulties, those with autism might also display similar behaviors, such as difficulty sustaining attention on tasks that do not interest them.

• Impulsiveness: Both conditions can manifest impulsivity, though the reasons and contexts might differ.

• Sensory processing differences: Sensory sensitivities, such as being overwhelmed by loud noises or specific textures, can be present in both ADHD and autism. 

• Preference for routine, structured, and predictable environments.

• Learning differences and disabilities.

• Difficulties with executive functioning, including organizing, planning, and prioritizing tasks. 

Despite these resemblances, there are distinct paths of support and treatment each condition requires. It’s also important to note that autism and ADHD can co-occur, meaning a person can have both conditions at the same time. This co-occurrence can sometimes make diagnosis and treatment more complex, as the two conditions can share symptoms but also require different approaches to care.

What is the Difference Between ADHD and Autism

Given the striking likeness and the potential overlap of traits between ADHD and autism, distinguishing between the two conditions can be challenging.

The differences between ADHD and autism in adults are more nuanced than in children. An adult with ADHD, for instance, might frequently lose track of tasks or important items, while an adult with autism could become overwhelmed in crowded or noisy environments.

So, what is the difference between ADHD and autism? Here are some distinctions to consider when talking about ADHD vs autistic disorder:

1. Social differences

People with autism often have significant challenges with social interactions, including difficulty understanding social cues and forming relationships. On the other hand, people with ADHD may be overly social and lack awareness of social norms.

Anyone with ADHD tends to speak excessively, interrupts, and often fails to pay attention to others’ speech. In contrast, those on the autism spectrum may find engaging in reciprocal conversation challenging and might use language repetitively or mechanically.

2. Cognitive profile

ADHD and autism showcase distinct sets of strengths and challenges, particularly in areas of learning, attention, and sensory processing. ADHD is primarily associated with issues of sustaining attention, managing impulsivity, and excessive activity levels. 

Individuals on the autism spectrum may demonstrate remarkable abilities in certain areas, such as memory, pattern recognition, and in-depth knowledge of specific interests. They also tend to have heightened sensory sensitivities. Simply put, the sensory issues of ADHD vs autism differ.

3. How the person navigates disruptions to routine

Those with autism often prefer predictable routines and may struggle significantly with changes to their routine. In contrast, individuals with ADHD might be less affected by changes in routine but struggle with organizing and managing tasks.

4. Repetitive behaviors vs. hyperactive

People with autism might engage in specific patterns of behavior or speech, show intense focus on particular interests, and exhibit significant distress when their routines are disrupted. This need for sameness helps them navigate the complexities of their environment and can provide a sense of comfort and control.

A child with ADHD receiving therapy

In contrast, ADHD is characterized by hyperactivity and impulsivity, manifesting as a nearly constant need for movement or mental stimulation. Those with ADHD may find it challenging to sit still for extended periods, often fidgeting, tapping, or moving around. 

Their impulsivity can lead to actions without much forethought, potentially interrupting conversations or making hasty decisions. 

5. Ruling out autism/autistic traits

When diagnosing ADHD, it’s important to also assess for autistic traits, as the two can co-exist, and some symptoms may overlap.

How Does Treatment for ADHD and Autism Differ?

Treatment approaches for ADHD often include medication to help manage symptoms, behavioral interventions, and support in managing tasks and organizing activities.

For autism, interventions may focus more on improving communication social skills, and managing sensory sensitivities. Therapies such as the DIR Floortime method and Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) have shown promise in treating autism by focusing on social communication and behavioral flexibility.

While there are similarities between ADHD and autism, especially in their potential to impact social interactions and behavior, the core differences lie in their distinctive patterns of behavior, cognitive profiles, and approaches to treatment.

For more knowledge about ADHD and autism similarities and differences and the various therapy treatments for these disorders, such as PRT autism therapy and DIR floortime therapy method, consider booking an appointment with our doctors.

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Natalia Semeshina Author

Dr. Svetlana Reviewer

MD, Endocrinologist, Pediatrician, regenerative medicine specialist, R&D director