26/02/2025
📌 Autism vs. ADHD: What’s the Difference? 🤔
Many parents and caregivers struggle to differentiate between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) because they share some overlapping symptoms. However, they are different neurodevelopmental conditions with unique characteristics.
🧠 Key Differences Between Autism and ADHD:
1️⃣ Social Interaction:
Autism: Struggles with social cues, avoids eye contact, prefers being alone.
ADHD: Wants to socialize but is impulsive, interrupts conversations, and struggles with patience.
2️⃣ Communication:
Autism: Delayed speech, difficulty understanding jokes and sarcasm, repetitive language.
ADHD: Talks excessively, interrupts often, understands jokes but may not wait their turn to speak.
3️⃣ Focus & Attention:
Autism: Intense focus on specific interests, difficulty shifting attention.
ADHD: Easily distracted, constantly shifts between tasks, struggles with sustained attention.
4️⃣ Behavior & Movement:
Autism: Repetitive behaviors (hand-flapping, rocking), strong need for routines.
ADHD: Hyperactive, fidgety, restless, often acts without thinking.
5️⃣ Sensory Sensitivities:
Autism: Over or under-sensitive to sounds, lights, and textures.
ADHD: Less sensitivity but often seeks movement (tapping, bouncing, fidgeting).
6️⃣ Learning & Thinking Pattern:
Autism: Prefers structured and predictable environments, may struggle with abstract thinking.
ADHD: Learns better with hands-on activities, struggles with organization and completing tasks.
🧠 Understanding the Difference
Both conditions can overlap, but a proper diagnosis by a psychologist or speech therapist is crucial for the right intervention.
🔎 Why Does This Matter?
Understanding the difference helps in getting the right support for children. A professional diagnosis from a psychologist or speech therapist ensures the correct intervention strategies.
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