Autism and ADHD

Autism and ADHD

Even though doctors have clear diagnostic guidelines for
children with autistic spectrum disorder, some children
get misdiagnosed with other disorders besides autism.

ADHD and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) are two
diagnoses that children with autism get diagnosed with.

Both diagnoses have features similar to autism,
particularly ADHD.

ADHD is a genetic disorder as is autism.

Both situations involve children with difficulty
learning and difficulty with interacting with other
children.

There can be hyperactivity with both disorders as well.

Because of the similarities of the two disorders, the
doctor must look at the checklists for both disorders
to see which of the two disorders matches the best.

In looking at the two disorder checklists, it’s easy
to see that there are similarities and differences.

Autism Behavioral Checklist

• Difficulty mixing with other children;

• No real fear of danger;

• Tantrums: displays extreme distress for no
apparent reason,
• Inappropriate giggling or laughing,

• May not want cuddling or act cuddly,

• Noticeable physical overactivity or extreme
underactivity;

• Little or no eye contact,

• Works impulsively; often makes careless mistakes
: work is sloppy,

• Uneven gross/fine motor skills

ADHD Behavioral Checklist

• Cannot talk or play quietly; disrupts others
with talk or actions,

• Difficult awaiting turn in games or activities,

• Engages in potentially dangerous activities,

• Plays without normal caution or consideration
of consequences,

• Severe temper tantrums,

• Interrupts, disrupts, talks and acts
inappropriately,

• When younger, difficulty accepting soothing
or holding,

• Always on the move, overactive, even during

sleep,

• Often does not seem to listen when spoken to
directly,

• Often does not give close attention to details
or makes careless mistakes in school work or other
activities,

• Uneven gross/fine motor skills.

Using checklists like these may be the best option in
diagnosing a child correctly and not missing the
diagnosis of autism when it exists.

The Parenting Autism Resource Guide: A Complete Resource Guide For Parents Who Have Children Diagnosed With Autism.