How to differentiate between an autistic child and a hyperactive one?

Question

How to differentiate between an autistic child and a hyperactive one?

Answer 1

Autism is diagnosed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Editiion or DSM-IV.  In California, a child is considered autistic if they meet Title 5, Section 3030 for autistic-like behaviors.  Both of them can be found here:  http://www.valleysnafu.com/SAMPLE%20DSM....

Generally speaking if I see a child with any sort of speech issue and sesnory issues, that is usually somewhere on the autism spectrum.  Speech issues can be pragmatics (the social use of speech), lack of Theory of Mind, etc.  Sensory issues can be inability to sit still, pay attention, dislike of scratchy tags on clothing, walking on tiptoes, lining up objects, repetitive movements, sensitivity to noises and much more.

Hyperactivity is a component of autism.  It is important to note that no two autistic individuals are alike.  Add to that the wide spectrum of the disorder and it can be quite overwhelming to properly diagnose.

I have found the best way to help a child is to not be so concerned with a diffinitive diagnosis but to treat the child in a way as to minimize the impact of the symptoms and behaviors he/she is experiencing.  If hyperactivity is the only behavior, a Functional Behaivoral Analysis (FBA) and a sensory integration/occupational therapy assessment should be done.  You can read about FBA's here:  http://www.shapingbehavior.com/images/Fu...

Answer 2

The differences are profound.

Autism is a communication and social disorder characterized by stereotypical movements, inability to understand social situations, often detached from this world, unable to communicate in language and often are mentally retarded or appear to be mentally retarded because they cannot communicate their needs or take in new knowledge. There are high functioning autistic children who can learn, but they still have profound social and communication issues.

Hyperactivity is usually a nervous system disorder. There is no relationship between the two at all. To find out more about Autism Syndrome Disorder, go to the Center for Autism and Related Disorders website.

Answer 3

Autism is a spectrum disorder. As others have alluded, it is characterized by problems with communication (at least social communication), both verbal and nonverbal. It also involves stereotyped or repetitive behaviors (Not necessarily odd movements, such as finger flicking or rocking). Repetitive behaviors can be a need to stick to routines, limited range of interests, fixation on certain objects. It is also characterized by unusual sensory problems. Children may walk on tiptoes, became agitated by certain sights, smells or sounds, refuse to eat all but a limited range of foods, l**k or sniff objects. Again, this is a spectrum disorder, so the range of behaviors is large, and can be mild to severe. Hyperactive children tend to seem always on the go. They may blurt out answers, intrude in conversations and engage in risky or impulsive behavior. They sometimes lack age appropriate social skills as well. Communication skills are usually more intact, although they may miss social cues as well.  It is also worth noting that many people with autistic spectrum disorders have comorbid (occurring together) attention or hyperactivity problems. The key differences revolve around those three areas, communication, socialization and sensory issues. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

autistic kids do repetitive actions.....for example twisting there fingers for an hour or more

Answer 5

Autistism involves repetitives actions; troubles expressing themselves through speech-for instance, many times they will quote movies to try to express themselves; they absolutely have a lot of trouble accepting even small changes in their environment; they often seem to be in their own world and may stare at certain objects or make strange noises; they usually don't like loud noises...some autistic people are called idiot savants, which means that they do have an amazing talent-that was Dustin Hoffman's disorder in the movie "Rainman."  Also, while many autistic people have a dual diagnosis of mental retardation, they are still considered independent disorders, so many are just as smart as "regular" students.  For instance, there is Asperger's Syndrome, which just means that the person has poor social skills, especially with eye contact, but there was actually a girl with it that was on America's Top Model!

Hyperactivity is now more commonly referred to as HD/AD and these are people who have trouble concentrating and focusing and are very easily distracted.  Of course, they usually have a lot of energy!   They have trouble finishing projects and they often don't think before they speak, so the kids who constantly blurt out comments may have it.  They don't always have the best social skills and may get in trouble if one doesn't know how to react.  They usually have some learning disabilities.

So you can see that these two disorders are extremely different.  I just finished a class about special education, so that's why I know so much.  My textbook was "Exceptional Lives: Special Education in Today's Schools" - you might want to check it out from the library.

Answer 6

you can reason with a hyperactive child and with food management or tabs they can lead a normal life   ...... its nothing like autism  my Friend son wood go bananas if you took his Tomas the tank engine off him and be totally uncontrollable but give it him back and like magic fair says its OK stops in  a second    he has very repetitive actions  to my son alex has ds and took his train ,to be pushed off the stairs