The relationship between autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Both autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are disorders in which brain development is affected and are known as neurodevelopmental disorders.
This means that both autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder affect the central nervous system, Which may affect social skills, concentration, language, movement and memory. Much research has proven that it is possible for an individual to be diagnosed with both autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. But so far there is no conclusive evidence indicating the cause of these disorders.
Similarities between autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
The similarity between autism spectrum disorder and ADHD is that both are linked to genetic causes.
Some similarities between autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder include:
- Focus, attachment, or intense preoccupation with some things.
- Impulsive behavior
- Inability to sit for long periods
Affects autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder On the executive functions of the brain, which in turn control focus and organization, and time management, and decision making, And emotional control. This means that many children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, or both, They may have challenges understanding social skills and how to behave in social situations. Autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder are more often diagnosed in males than females.
The difference between autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
The relationship between autism spectrum disorder and ADHD may overlap to the point that some may question whether ADHD is itself an autism spectrum disorder. While it is clear that this is not the case, the close overlap between the two conditions, as well as the general misunderstanding of the symptoms, may lead to the emergence of such misconceptions, as both ADHD and autism spectrum disorder are neurodevelopmental disorders, and so far there is no A clear reason for the occurrence of these disorders.
Although ADHD and autism spectrum disorder all have similarities, there are key differences that may make them both different.
For example, Children diagnosed with ADHD typically have difficulty paying attention to a single subject and are often easily distracted. In contrast, children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder may focus on one topic or thing and will not focus on things that do not interest them.
Therefore, it is possible for parents or teachers to differentiate when children do their schoolwork. As it is possible that a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder will not be able to focus on a particular thing even if it is his favorite thing. In contrast, a child with autism spectrum disorder may focus intensely on his favorite subject, but he may not be able to engage in topics that he is not interested in.
Communication differences between attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder
Communication may be affected in both ADHD and autism spectrum disorder, but communication may occur in different ways.
Communication in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- Talk non-stop
- Speak actively, energetically, and sometimes in an annoying manner
- He doesn’t notice when others get upset with him
- Interrupts others when speaking
- He tries to have the last word at the end of every conversation
Communication in children with autism spectrum disorder
- They find it difficult to express themselves, especially when describing their feelings
- Do not use gestures or body language when communicating
- Lack of eye contact
- Not understanding how to let the other person speak
- Not responding to signals or hints from others during a conversation
Responding to changes in the environment
Children diagnosed with ADHD usually tend to get bored quickly with structured routines as they do not interest them. Therefore, parents must pay attention to diversity during education and upbringing in order to maintain their focus.
However, Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder usually tend not to respond well to unexpected changes and modifications in daily routines. Therefore, many children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder may need structured routines.
For example, A child with autism spectrum disorder may eat the same dinner or watch the same video every day. In contrast, a child diagnosed with ADHD may feel bored or frustrated with a book or TV show after a few minutes, or may want to eat something else after just a few bites.
ADHD and autism spectrum disorder co-occur
Although ADHD and autism spectrum disorder are different, However, they often occur together. About 3 in 10 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder may also show symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, It is three times higher than for children in the general population.
The researchers, who published in the Journal of Autism Spectrum Disorder, point out that anything can develop from ASD in the brain and also cause a second developmental outcome, Such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Previous research has also hypothesized that autism spectrum disorder and ADHD are “independent disorders” that occur together through a third independent factor. What is this factor? Since this is the constant question!
The most widely supported school of thought is that genetic factors may play a large role. Many genetic studies have supported the theory that both ADHD and autism spectrum disorder may be due to genetic factors.
Researchers who have examined this perspective suggest that shared genetic and neurobiological factors indicate why ADHD and autism spectrum disorder occur with such frequency within the same family.
Treating cases of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder
When a child is diagnosed with both disorders, The diagnosis may seem difficult for parents on how to deal with both disorders.
The first step is strategies to help parents by involving them in schools so they can reflect evidence-based interventions. like, Behavioral interventions that parents must work on together at home so the required organizational skills must be practiced at school and at home.
- It may improve the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA) for both autism spectrum disorder and ADHD.
- Drug treatment
- Individual or group sessions
- Home applied behavior analysis sessions
Strategies for parents
Parents should work with the multidisciplinary team at school with their children with ADHD, children with ASD, their pediatrician, specialists, and caregivers to develop strategies to be applied consistently at home. For example:
- Provide positive reinforcement
- daily routine
- Visual tables
For children diagnosed with both ADHD and autism spectrum disorder, The intervention involves a great deal of “intensive parent training.” Where specialists provide and train parents on strategies to manage unwanted behaviors.
They may have difficulty with social skills, Parent training may help to understand the issues that may hinder these conditions through normal development. Therefore, what parents should know is that typical lessons on etiquette may not work and may lead to delays in social development and communication.
Ref
ADHD & Autism: Similarities, Differences, & Treating Co-Occurences (wpengine.com)
