Autism and ADHD have often been confused with one another. In fact, it isn’t uncommon for people with autism to be diagnosed with ADHD at some point in their lives. But if the two are so similar, what is it that sets them apart? Scientists have long debated whether autism and ADHD are separate conditions, or one condition with different levels of severity. To settle the argument once and for all, they’re turning to genetics for answers. Download the PDF What is ADHD? Like autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (aka ADHD) is described as a condition that affects people’s behaviour. It usually manifests itself as restlessness, lack of concentration, and acting on impulse. Most cases are recognised and diagnosed before a child is 12 years old, but it can sometimes take until adulthood for a diagnosis to be made. Symptoms have been known to improve with age, but many of those diagnosed young continue to experience issues much later in life. People with ADHD may also experience other problems, like sleep and anxiety disorders. The similarities between autism and ADHD Several similar symptoms are seen in both autism and ADHD, including: Inattention: Difficulty paying attention, or an intense focus on select topics or interests. Hyperactivity: Restless and fidgety. Unable to stay still or talking excessively. Impulsivity: Acting impulsively without considering the consequences. Interrupting others, engaging in dangerous behaviour, or behaving aggressively. Sensory processing difficulties: Unable to regulate stimuli coming through their senses. Sensitive to touch, sound, or taste. Behaviour problems: Significant behavioural problems that interfere with learning or making friends. Difficulty socialising: Struggle to understand social cues and can’t figure out the rules of social engagement. What makes autism and ADHD different? A study of nearly 80,000 people found that seven genetic regions (or ‘loci’) have common variants in people with autism, ADHD, or both. This appears to confirm theories that there are genetic similarities between the two, and that a person can have both at the same time. Scientists also noted that these specific loci are also strongly associated with other psychiatric conditions such as depression. Interestingly however, there are five loci that carry variants that can set autism and ADHD apart. Therefore, if a person only has variants associated with autism, a clear autism diagnosis should be possible. As scientists carry out more research in this area, they may even be able to separate autism from one ‘umbrella’ condition into several more specific genetic categories. Download the PDF Helping autistic and non-verbal people make themselves heard App2vox is a free app designed to help autistic and non-verbal people to express themselves. Just download it to your phone or tablet for access to a suite of helpful tools like text to speech, phrase building, and everyday icons. Register your interest here, and take a look at how the app works. We also have more interesting resources for parents and guardians, including information on the link between autism and diabetes, the importance of friendship for people with autism, and more. Other Resources Understanding the link between autism and diabetes Statistics show that people with autism are three times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. This World Diabetes Day, we take a look at the connection. Is there a link between autism and Alzheimer’s? World’s Alzheimer’s Day, which takes place on 21 September this year, is part of a month-long annual campaign to raise awareness and educate people about dementia. This year’s theme is ‘Know dementia, know Alzheimer’s’. What causes autism? This resource is intended to give an overview of what is understood about the causes of autism, and the issues that arise from this.
