Summary
Highlights
Dr. Tracey Marks introduces the topic of distinguishing between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), both of which are neurodevelopmental disorders that begin in childhood and affect brain development. She notes that comorbidity is common, with a high prevalence of ASD individuals also having ADHD, though the reverse is less common.
ASD is a spectrum disorder characterized by two main categories of features: problems with social communication and relating to others, and restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviors, interests, or activities. These features can manifest in varying degrees across different areas such as language, social awareness, narrow interests, information processing, sensory processing, repetitive behaviors (stimming), and neuromotor control. Each individual with ASD has a unique combination and severity of these features.
There are significant overlaps between ADHD and ASD, particularly in executive dysfunction (e.g., time blindness, emotional dysregulation, difficulty starting tasks) and trouble with social cues. However, the reasons for these overlaps differ. An ADHD individual might miss social cues due to inattention or interrupting, while an ASD individual might struggle with understanding social subtext, body language, or sensory overload from social interactions.
Self-stimulation, or stimming, is another shared trait used for anxiety reduction or focus. In ADHD, fidgeting might help with focus, while in ASD, it's often a response to environmental discomfort or an automatic behavior. Stimming in ASD tends to be more intense and repetitive, like rocking, compared to the more random fidgeting seen in ADHD.
A notable difference is the preference for novelty: individuals with ADHD often seek out new experiences and get bored with routine, whereas those with ASD find comfort and security in familiarity and routine.
Both disorders can go undiagnosed until adulthood, especially if symptoms were manageable. Inattentive ADHD may be overlooked if a child doesn't cause discipline problems, while ASD can be missed if there are no obvious problematic behaviors, or if milder symptoms are overshadowed by comorbid conditions like anxiety, depression, or OCD.
Dr. Marks advises against self-diagnosis but suggests using online screening tools for those curious about potential ASD traits. If scores are high and symptoms cause distress in daily life, professional help from a therapist or psychiatrist experienced in diagnosing and treating ASD is recommended. Bringing screening results to a clinician can facilitate discussion and understanding.