Is It Autism? Or ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism can look very similar. Children with either condition can struggle with focus. They can be impulsive or have difficulty communicating. They may have trouble with schoolwork and building relationships. Although they share many symptoms, they are two different conditions. Autism spectrum disorders are a series of developmental disorders that can affect language skills, behavior, social interactions, and the ability to learn. As for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, it affects how the brain grows and develops. A child can also have both conditions.

People with these disorders can lead happy and successful lives, and diagnosing children correctly and early helps them receive the right treatment so they do not miss out on development and learning.

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How do they differ?

Watch how your child pays attention. People with autism struggle to focus on things they do not like, such as reading a book or solving a puzzle. But they may focus on things they like, such as playing with a specific toy.

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, on the other hand, often dislike and avoid things that require them to focus.

You should also pay attention to communication skills. Although children with either condition may find it difficult to interact with others, those with autism may have less social awareness of others. They often find it difficult to express their thoughts and feelings, may not be able to point to an object they want, and have difficulty making eye contact.

On the other hand, a child with ADHD may talk non-stop. They may interrupt when someone else is speaking or intrude heavily. Also, consider the topic of conversation. Some children with autism can talk for hours about a topic of interest to them.

A child with autism usually likes order and repetition. But a child with ADHD may not like repetition and order, even if it helps them. A child with autism may want to have the same type of food at their favorite restaurant, or become overly attached to one toy or shirt. They can get upset when routines change. But a child with ADHD does not like doing the same thing again or for long periods.

Diagnosis

If you think your child has ADHD or autism, talk to your child's doctor. There is no single test that can determine whether a child has either or both conditions. You can start with a pediatrician, who may refer you to a specialist in the field.

To diagnose ADHD, doctors look for a pattern of behaviors such as distractibility, forgetfulness, lack of follow-through, difficulty waiting, and fidgeting or restlessness. They will ask for feedback from parents, teachers, and others who care for the child. The doctor will also try to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms.

Autism diagnosis begins with a parent answering a questionnaire about the child, often about behaviors that started when they were very young. Additional tests and tools may include more questionnaires, surveys, and checklists, as well as interviews and observed activities.

Treatments

It can be difficult even for doctors to distinguish between these conditions, but it is important for your child to receive the right treatment.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing ADHD. Younger children usually start with behavior therapy, and the doctor may prescribe medication if symptoms do not improve enough. Older children often receive both. ADHD symptoms and the way they are treated may change over time.

Behavior therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy can help children with autism communicate and cope better. Medicine cannot cure autism, but it may make related symptoms such as trouble focusing or high energy easier to manage.

Adapted and translated

https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/childhood-adhd/adhd-or-autism

Originally published in Arabic. This English version was produced with AI-assisted translation; the Arabic original remains the reference.