Introduction
You may have heard some individuals say Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are similar to one another and even further individuals can be diagnosed with both disorders. Is this even possible? According to understood.org, “Experts recently changed the way they think about how autism and ADHD are related. Not so long ago, the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) stated that a person couldn’t have autism and ADHD. But the newest version (called DSM-5) allows for a person to be diagnosed with both.” With that said, not only are Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder similar to one another, an individual can also be diagnosed with both disorders, as well. The question remains how are they similar to one another. This article will answer this particular question and describe some of the similarities between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Trouble Paying Attention
According to pearsonclinical.com, one of the symptoms associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is “difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities (e.g., has difficulty remaining focused during lectures, conversations, or lengthy reading).” In addition, trouble paying attention is also a symptom of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. According to understood.org, “Kids with autism may struggle with this for several reasons. One is that language difficulties can make it seem like a child isn’t paying attention to directions. But the truth may be that he just doesn’t understand the directions.” Therefore, to explain further, a similarity between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder is trouble paying attention during tasks.
Trouble With Social Interactions
In addition to trouble paying attention, another similarity between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder is trouble with social interactions. According to understood.org, this appears in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder through not seeming “to listen when spoken to directly (e.g., mind seems elsewhere, even in the absence of any obvious distraction).” In Autism Spectrum Disorder, according to understood.org, “People on the spectrum have difficulty establishing and maintaining relationships. They do not respond to many of the non-verbal forms of communication that many of us take for granted, like facial expressions, physical gestures and eye contact.”
Conclusion
Therefore, on an end note, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder share some similarities with each other, including difficulty paying attention on every day tasks and difficulty with social interaction.
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