Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. People with ASD may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention.

High -Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (HFASD)- Adolescents and Adults with ASD who do not have intellectual impairment or disability.

AD(H)D– is marked as an ongoing pattern of inattention and or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be), or be overly active

• According to the scientific literature, 50% to 70% of individuals with ASD also present with comorbid ADHD

• More than half of all individuals who have been diagnosed with ASD also have signs of ADHD. In fact, ADHD is the most common coexisting condition in children with ASD.

• ADHD can mask autism. For those who have both conditions, it’s more common for the autism diagnosis to come much later compared to those that have only autism. This is likely due to ADHD symptoms presentations masking the autistic behaviors.

How are ADHD and Autism similar?

Both are neurodevelopmental conditions

Both are likely to display an intense interest in certain topics or hobbies

Both adversely affect executive functioning skills

Both may cause a difficulty with interpersonal relationships

How are autism and ADHD different?

Autistic individuals can have a strict reliance on routines, while ADHD can have a distaste for routines, as well as a tendency to not follow through

Interpersonal relationship difficulties are most likely caused by a deficit in social skills for autistic individuals; while people with ADHD more likely struggle with interpersonal relationships because of impulsive behaviors

Those with autism are more likely than ADHDers to have more severe challenges with social cues and nonverbal communications

Developmental milestones are more commonly reached at the expected age in children with ADHD alone, compared to those with autism

ASD-Social Interaction:

• Impairment of two-way interaction

• Resistance to change; inflexible

• Misses social cues

• Has different concept of “friend”

• Lacks inhibition

• May isolate himself socially

• Social environment will cause frustration which can lead to explosive outbursts

Social Communication:

• Odd, pedantic speech, superficial

• Lacks expression/ can not discern different tones of voice

• Face blindness

• Very literal understanding

• Poor non-verbal communication

• Fails to grasp implied meanings

• Can’t flirt

Social Imagination:

• Difficulty with transitions/changes

• No imaginative play

• Insists on routines- No Surprises

• Difficulty transferring skills from one setting to another

• All absorbing interest

Anxiety:

Anxiety is as important an issue in the daily life of ASD individuals as are social difficulties. In fact, anxiety adds to social difficulties which, in turn, effects anxiety. This greatly influences negative behavior.

Telltale signs of ASD:

• Can’t abstract- can’t read between the lines, black/white thinking

• Poor eye contact

• Can’t lie

• Poor fine motor ability

• Visual thinking, yet poor imagination

• Facial expression does not match feelings

• Non flexible thinking

• Stimming

Co-morbidity:

1. Motor clumsiness- sign of ADHD

2. Sensory Overload- too much/too little

3. Mind blindness- 

   1. being blind how others feel or think

   2. no insight

4. Central Coherence Deficit- 

   1. can’t see forest, just trees

   2. can’t see pieces fitting together to create a picture or scenario

5. Executive Function Deficit- It can affect memory, attention, thinking, planning, organizing, scheduling, problem-solving, and self-monitoring

Executive Function Deficits:

Difficulty with:

• Time management

• Organization

• Planning

• Tasks with multiple steps

• Initiating

• Emotional control

Differential Diagnosis or Co-morbid (exist together)

• ADHD

• OCD

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

• Language Processing

• Sensory Integration