Autism and ADHD share features like difficulty with focus, impulsivity, and social challenges. Many children meet criteria for both. Understanding the differences helps families pursue the right evaluations and supports.
Autism highlights
- Challenges with social communication and reciprocity
- Preference for routines and repetitive play
- Sensory sensitivities or intense interests
- May avoid eye contact but not because of defiance
ADHD highlights
- Difficulty sustaining attention across settings
- High impulsivity and physical restlessness
- Trouble organizing tasks and following multi-step directions
- Social challenges often stem from interrupting or missing cues
What to do next
A comprehensive evaluation by a psychologist or developmental pediatrician can clarify whether one, both, or other conditions are present. Spectrum Roots can then align therapy with those findings.
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