Do you have autism attention deficit disorder confusion?

Do you have autism attention deficit disorder confusion?

Although it is not known why autism, attention deficit disorder, as well as other autism spectrum conditions are becoming more common, their cases have continued to increase significantly in recent decades. The controversy surrounding this issue is currently escalating as quickly as the number of instances. Another challenge is diagnosing – and misdiagnosing – these conditions, leading to common autism attention deficit confusion.

The term “autism” covers a wide range of conditions and symptoms that vary dramatically in severity, leading to it often being referred to as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD includes autism itself, Asperger's syndrome, and other common developmental disorders. However, it does not include attention deficit disorder (ADHD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Nevertheless, confusion about attention deficit in autism remains due to the similarity often observed in the symptoms of each condition. Because there is no specific group of symptoms that occur in every case of autism or attention deficit disorder, this can make diagnosis difficult, especially for laypeople.

The key to ensuring the correct diagnosis is achieved and that autism and attention deficit disorder are avoided is understanding the signs and symptoms of both disorders. Self-education is a parent's best tool for understanding what he or she is and isn't in his or her child.

Both conditions are presented the same way at the beginning, both socially and biologically. Both conditions involve a lack of executive functions (planning, decision making, and response control) within the frontal lobes of the brain and share a number of common symptoms. Even research on autism and attention deficit disorder shows similarities in the behaviors and behavioral processes studied that are believed to be related to disorders of brain function. Additionally, both conditions involve some form of lack of fine and gross motor skills.

Despite these similarities in symptoms, autism and ADD confusion is just that - a confusion between two completely different disorders. However, when ADD and ADHD are diagnosed, doctors will not routinely screen for autism. The responsibility lies with parents, teachers, and other caregivers to observe behaviors that deviate from ADD and to identify a narrower perspective regarding the child's behavioral problems.

If a misdiagnosis is suspected, it is advisable for parents to familiarize themselves with the different behaviors of autism and ADD and then recognize the differences.

Behaviors commonly seen in autistic children include:

– Difficulty interacting with other children of the same or different ages.

– Difficulty interacting with adults

– Lack of fear of danger

– Tantrums – show great distress for no clear reason

– Inappropriate laughter

– Aversion to cuddling

– Little to no eye contact made

– Significant physical over- or under-activity

– Uneven fine and/or gross motor skills

– Impulsive work habits with frequent sloppiness and careless mistakes

On the other hand, behaviors commonly observed in children with ADD or ADHD include the following:

– Inability to speak or play quietly; disruptive in speech or behavior

– Struggle to wait his turn in a game, line, or similar activity

– Participates in activities with a high risk of harm

– Lack of normal consideration of caution or consequences

– Tantrums with extreme tempers

– Disruptive, interrupting, speaking and behaving inappropriately

– Difficulty being held or calmed at a very young age

– Always active and moving, even while sleeping

– Doesn’t seem to listen when spoken to directly

– Uneven fine and/or gross motor skills

– Pay no attention to finder details and make careless mistakes in tasks

These symptom lists make it clear why misdiagnosis and autism-attention-deficit confusion are so common. Vigilance and education are the keys to overcoming these mistakes.

Inspired by Rachel Evans