Being neurodivergent means a person may think and learn in a different way to others. Neurodiversity has a wide spectrum that covers a range of hidden neurological conditions. Autism and ADHD both fall under the neurodiversity umbrella and are two of the most prevalent neurodiverse conditions.
Neurodiversity is a movement to focus on the strengths of people who have neurodevelopmental conditions and hopes to move away from the stigma that can come with using phrases such as “deficit and disorder” and sees the neurodiverse community as simply viewing the world in a different way.
Autism and ADHD can affect how a person thinks, behaves and interacts with the world. Although they are both different conditions, having a diagnosis of a neurodevelopmental condition increases the likelihood of having a coexisting condition and the two will often go hand in hand along with other neurodiverse conditions such as dyslexia and Tourette’s. Knowing the differences and overlaps between autism and ADHD is essential for getting the right diagnosis and support.
What is Autism?
Autism is a life-long condition that affects the way in which a person communicates, relates to other people and makes sense of the world around them. It is a spectrum, which means that, while all autistic people share certain traits, their experiences are all different.
Around 700,000 people in the UK have an autism diagnosis. Autistic people simply view things differently to those without the condition, with neither view being ‘right’ or ‘wrong’. The main areas of difference in autistic people are social and communication, sensory and repetitive/restrictive behaviours. These may present in ways such as finding it difficult to communicate with others, understanding social norms, relying on have routine and structure and having specialised interests in areas.
Autism cannot be cured, however we do not feel it needs to be cured but instead society should adapt and be more neuro-affirming so people with autism can thrive through their strengths, such as deep focus on their special interests, heightened attention to detail and the ability to think in innovative ways.
Exact causes of autism are unknown but research has shown genetic factors are important and may be associated with a variety of conditions affecting brain development which occur before, during or after birth.
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) primarily affects attention, impulse control, and activity levels. It is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects people’s behaviour.
People with ADHD can seem restless, may have difficulty concentrating and be more impulsive. There are currently 2.6 million people diagnosed with ADHD in the UK.
As with autism, ADHD can occur in people of any intellectual ability. Many people with ADHD have associated problems such as sleep and anxiety disorders. There are three types of ADHD that people can be diagnosed with, these are inattentive, hyperactive and combined, with combined ADHD being the most prevalent.
People with ADHD often experience difficulties staying focused on tasks, they can be easily distracted, forgetful and start new tasks before finishing the last thing they started. ADHD can also manifest through hyperactivity—restlessness and an urge to constantly move, or feeling as though your brain cannot turn off. People with ADHD show strengths such as high levels of spontaneity, courage and empathy and can hyper-focus on tasks.
The Key Differences
ADHD and autism are two distinct neurodevelopmental conditions that affect individuals in unique ways. ADHD is characterised by traits of impulsivity and difficulty with executive function and attention, whereas autism is defined by differences in social communication and interaction and restricted and repetitive behaviours and interests.
Despite these differences, autism and ADHD can co-occur in people and some of the traits such as hyper-focus and sensory processing needs can overlap.
Understanding the difference between ADHD and autism is crucial for several reasons. Proper diagnosis is the first step towards support, which can improve the quality of life for those affected. Misdiagnosis or overlooking the presence of both conditions can lead to inadequate support and interventions.
We’re here to help
Understanding these key differences and overlaps is crucial for people seeking diagnosis and support. At Portland Assessments, we provide comprehensive assessments to help individuals and families get clarity on their unique neurodiverse needs, whether that involves autism, ADHD, or a combination of both.
If you are thinking of booking an assessment and want to know more, contact our team today.