ADD/ADHD and autism spectrum disorder are usually diagnosed during the child’s early years. In recent years, it has been shown that a growing population of children is showing signs of ADD/ADHD, while the possibility of autism has grown in percentage. In her book, The ADHD Autism Connection, Diane Kennedy makes startling comparisons that connects the two conditions with each other. Before citing the similarities between the two, let us first define each for a clearer viewpoint.
ADD/ADHD
A neurobehavioral developmental disorder, ADD/ADHD is usually diagnosed before a child steps into his or her seventh year. It has been determined that the disorder affects at least three percent of the overall children population. As the name suggests, ADHD is characterized by three symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. Although not all these symptoms are prevalent in every ADD/ADHD case, there are certain tests doctors use to diagnose this condition.
Diagnosis includes talks between the child and doctor, as well as a full physical and mental exam. Other known methods include using the DHM-IV method, while others rely on a test that measures a person’s length of attention through a computer game.
Causes of ADD/ADHD are yet undetermined. Since the disorder seems to appear in family members, it has been suggested that the condition roots from genetic causes. Other theories unrelated to genetic factors have also come to surface. What is sure, however, is that bad parenting is never the cause of ADD/ADHD.
Being a neurobehavioral developmental disorder, ADD/ADHD cannot be cured by medication. Although pills are prescribed, they are only capable of lessening the impulsiveness of the child. Therapy sessions are also to be expected for ADD/ADHD sufferers.
Autism Spectrum
Also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or autism spectrum conditions (ASC), this disorder consists of a spectrum of psychological conditions. It is mostly characterized by abnormalities in social interactions as well as a notably repetitive behavior. ASD may be classified in three forms namely autism, Asperger’s syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). Autism is most basic form, with Asperger’s being a close second, although it does not display the delay in language development as seen in autism. PDD-NOS is the form named when autism doesn’t fall in the areas earlier specified.
The treatment for autism spectrum aims to lessen the deficits as well as increase the quality of life of the person and his or her family. Development of functional independence is also given particular attention. Since each child is special, every treatment method is created to suit the child’s needs, making it easier for him or her to absorb the necessary knowledge. Some of those treatments include applied behavior analysis, speech and language therapy, social skills therapy, and structured teaching.
Link between ADD/ADHD and autism spectrum
In her book The ADHD Autism Connection, Diane Kennedy highlights the similarities of ADD/ADHD and autism spectrum. Her third son has been misdiagnosed to have ADHD after three textbook cases of the disorder was found in her family. His social and motor skills were also delayed, symptoms that is also fairly common in autism. New tests then lead to the diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome.
The misdiagnosis shows that symptoms for ADD/ADHD and autism spectrum are basically the same. With both being characterized as developmental disorders, it can be very easy to mistake one for the other. Symptoms for both disorders mostly have an effect on social, communication, and interaction skills. Research shows that children who have been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome have later been labeled with another disorder, with most of them being ADD/ADHD.
With the two disorders showing the same symptoms, she has learned that when testing for ADD/ADHD, there are no screens provided to eliminate autism.
The fact is that during the early years, the child may not display notable distinctions between autism and ADD/ADHD. It is only when a child grows older with still undeveloped motor skills that parents start to worry. This is why she encourages parents to learn as much as they can about ADD/ADHD and autism, with the two being so closely tied together.
Drawbacks of a wrong diagnosis
ADD/ADHD is actually considered a mild form of autism and may be treated accordingly for the child to grow up into a fully functioning adult. Autism spectrum disorder, on the other hand, is a condition that must be fully looked upon for the child to grow up with functional independence. The ability to give the right diagnosis for these conditions is bound to give parents as well as sufferers the assurance they need when adapting to the situation.
In her book, Diane Kennedy implores parents to learn more about both ADD/ADHD and autism since the two can be very closely related. With the input of parents, the difference of ADD/ADHD and autism spectrum disorder will be more pronounced, prompting an accurate diagnosis.