Lack of awareness creates a gap between these complications and the medical help
The symptoms seen in autism spectrum disorder and ADHD look quite similar however these are clinically different. Often parents miss out the clear signs and end up in the wrong diagnosis. Unawareness around neurological complications, the inability to express the right symptoms and the hesitancy to accept this complication creates a huge gap between the patient and the treatment available.
Phrases that are detrimental to a child's emotion
Things parents of boys MUST teach them
In order to bridge the gap, it is very essential to note the right symptoms of these health issues.
What is autism?
Autism, the commonly used term for autism spectrum disorder, is a developmental issue in which a child's speech, behaviour and socializing skills get affected.
As per the World Health Organisation (WHO) about one in 100 kids worldwide have autism. "The abilities and needs of autistic people vary and can evolve over time. While some people with autism can live independently, others have severe disabilities and require life-long care and support," says the global health agency.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is the abbreviation of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a neurobehavioural disorder and is commonly seen in kids and lingers till they reach adulthood.
In this health issue, the kid has problems paying attention to things and often acts in an impulsive manner without paying attention to the consequences.
The similarity between autism and ADHD that confuses parents
Both the health issues are related to the behaviour of a kid, which is itself quite difficult to discern. This gets tougher for new parents, who have no prior experience of child behaviour.
A child's behaviour is always seen as something that needs to be nurtured. So parents delay taking medical help in the initial stages. Only when the behaviour starts affecting the social and academic life, parents go serious about it.
Signs and symptoms of both the complications are very similar to each, barring few subtle indications.
How is ADHD different from autism?
It is very important to keep an eye on the kid.
A kid with autism will not focus on things it dislikes; a kid with ADHD will dislike things that need to be focused on.
A kid with autism loves things in order and repetition and the way they like; a kid with ADHD might not like to be organised as it requires concentration.
Autism renders a kid routine oriented, these kids love a pattern; in case of ADHD the kids do not like doing the same thing again and again.
Autistic kids have a limited scope of interest, whereas those with ADHD have a limited span of attention.
Autistic kids have a good ability to focus on things they like, whereas those with ADHD can not focus.
Kids with ADHD may talk non-stop, but those with autism will find it extremely difficult to communicate.
While kids with ADHD will always tend to interrupt others without paying attention to anything else, autistic kids may not even initiate or respond to conversation.
Can a kid have both the conditions?
Yes, it is possible. As per the US CDC, around 14% kids have both the conditions. These kids are more likely to have learning difficulties and face troubles in establishing connections socially.
According to WebMD: It’s common for children with an autism spectrum disorder to also have signs of ADHD. Also, some kids who’ve been diagnosed with ADHD may also have a history of autism, with symptoms like trouble with social skills or being extra sensitive to textures of clothes.
Here's what parents should do...
First of all, parents should be more inclusive towards all these conditions. Do not hesitate to ask an expert if you notice abnormal behaviour in your child. Do not ignore any such signs assuming it to be kiddish behaviour.
Always pay attention to the behaviour of a kid and try to address it at the earliest.