Understanding the Differences Between ADHD & Autism Spectrum Disorder

As assessments and treatments become more accessible, you’re likely to hear more about Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) than in the past. Understanding the differences between the disorders is essential to providing the most effective treatment for individuals.

Our clinicians at Mind Matters have a thorough understanding of ADHD and autism and can help your child overcome the associated obstacles.

Executive functions are brain processes that control imperatives such as:



• Planning.
• Organizing.
• Initiating tasks.
• Working memory.

Often, children with ADHD have difficulties with sustained attention and the ability to hold information or instructions in their minds while doing a task.

Autism tends to cause a lack of cognitive flexibility, which makes it hard to switch between tasks, and an inability to break large projects down into more manageable steps.

Mastering social skills can be complex for all kids and even adults, but an ADHD or autism diagnosis presents particular challenges. Those with ADHD may have trouble focusing on conversations and want to talk over others instead of participating when appropriate.

Autism can cause individuals to have difficulty making eye contact and understanding conversational concepts like sarcasm and irony. ASD can also make it challenging for adults and children to initiate and maintain talking with peers and put their thoughts and feelings into words.

The human brain must process all the information it receives from the senses. Those on the autism spectrum often react intensely to sound, touch, taste, and visual stimuli. For example, when experiencing sensory overload, a child with autism may regulate themselves with stimming behaviors, like rocking or hand flapping.

Alternatively, a kid with ADHD usually seeks sensory input through fidgeting or other movements and has difficulty filtering critical sensory information, such as a teacher talking, from mundane events, like others walking in the hallway.

Mental health and neurological disorders are rarely black and white, which is also true for ADHD. There’s no single way to diagnose ADHD, so clinicians use a combination of evaluations, observation, and conversations with parents, caregivers, and teachers to help diagnose.

An ADHD diagnosis must also meet criteria listed in the most up-to-date edition of the DSM or Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, including severity of symptoms, an onset at 12 or younger, and significant impairment in the child’s life. Let’s explore the three common types of ADHD:

The symptoms of inattentive ADHD can include:

• Experiencing difficulty paying attention and keeping focus.
• Being forgetful.
• Having challenges with organization.

Inattentive ADHD can be challenging to spot because the outward symptoms can be subtle.

This type of ADHD displays the classic, stereotypical symptoms of the disorder, including:

• Interrupting others.
• Having difficulty staying in a seat or waiting in line.
• Feeling like you always need to be moving.

Children with hyperactive/impulsive ADHD frequently receive discipline for misbehavior despite an inability to control these actions.

Combined ADHD is the most common of the three types and is a mix of symptoms from inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive ADHD.

Kids with combined ADHD may frequently daydream or “zone out,” be restless, and display impulsivity.

An ADHD or autism diagnosis isn’t the terrible outcome many believe it can be. Individuals with ADHD and/or autism have strengths in areas that most others don’t.

These characteristics vary between individuals, but in general, you can expect traits such as:

A few strengths of ADHD include:

• Hyper-focusing.
• Creativity.
• Rapid information processing.
• Passion.
• Resilience.

Some autism strengths are as follows:



• Exceptional memorization skills.
• Attention to detail and pattern recognition.
• Honest with a strong sense of right and wrong.
• Direct communication style.

Therapeutic interventions are almost always more successful if they’re individualized. A personalized treatment plan will identify and address your child's unique needs and maximize their strengths. One-on-one behavioral therapy generally leads to more positive outcomes.