People with attention deficit disorder, or ADD, struggle to focus, organize tasks and manage time. They may also have hyperactivity in addition to ADD, a condition known as ADHD. When these symptoms are severe they may mimic some of the behaviors associated with autism---such as impaired social abilities or repetitive movement. In addition, sensory processing disorders commonly associated with the ADHD and autism diagnoses impact abilities to self-regulate. These individuals get overexcited easily, making it difficult for them to develop social and academic skills.
Diagnostic Similarities
No single definitive test exists to diagnose either ADD or autism; however, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM, published by the American Psychiatric Association provides checklists of symptoms to help make a diagnosis. The DSM checklist for behaviors associated with ADD include difficulties attending, responding to speech, completing tasks, organizing, distractibility and forgetfulness. A diagnosis of ADHD includes fidgety movements, impulsivity, high activity levels and excessive talking in addition to the symptoms of ADD.
According to the organization Autism Speaks, a diagnosis of autism is based on psychological testing and observed behaviors that can be identified on the DSM checklist. These behaviors include impairments in nonverbal communication---such as eye contact or gestures, lack of spoken language, failure to engage in imaginary play, repetitive, stereotyped movements or speech, inflexibility and persistent preoccupation with parts of objects. Children with ADD are sometimes diagnosed with autism because of similarities in communication and attention impairments. In fact, the Mayo Clinic lists autism as one of several disorders that seem to resemble ADD.
Social Relationships
According to psychiatrist Daniel G. Amen, author of "Healing ADD," many children and adults with ADD fail in relationships. They act and say things impulsively that indicate a lack of social understanding. Distractibility, a tendency to daydream, or sensory sensitivities may impact abilities to follow a conversation or the details in a class lesson or work directions. Individuals with autism also struggle with social relationships because they are so tuned into their own world that they don't naturally develop social skills such as taking turns during conversations or understanding another person's perspective.
Sensory Processing Disorders
Many children with autism also have ADD or ADHD, and many individuals with either or both of these diagnoses have problems with sensory processing. The terms "sensory processing" or "sensory integration" refer to how the brain interprets what people see, hear and feel and uses it for purposeful activities such as work and play. Children with a sensory processing disorder may demonstrate symptoms of sensitivities to stimuli---such as loud noises or unexpected touch. They may be highly distractible because they can't filter out the important stimuli---such as the teacher talking---from background stimuli such as snow being plowed.
In addition, many individuals with ADD and autism are challenged to take initiative, to act and get things done. Occupational therapist Dr. A. Jean Ayres, author of "Sensory Integration and the Child," describes the autistic child's struggle to initiate as a symptom of the brain's poorly operating "I want to do it" system. In other words, instead of learning how to string beads, a child may end up dangling or rubbing the string. Individuals with ADD and autism struggle to accomplish their daily routines.
References
- "Healing ADD"; Daniel G. Amen; 2002
- Mayo Clinic: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children
- "Sensory Integration and the Child"; A. Jean Ayres; 2005
- Autism Speaks: Learn the Signs of Autism
- American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual
