Why is Asperger's sometimes misdiagnosed as ADHD?

Question

My daughter has just been diagnosed with ADHD. She has some aspergerish tendencies. They seem different. How are they the same? Is my child autistic and what does that exactly mean?

Answer 1

Asperger's is a social disorder. It involves the following:

   1. impairment in social interaction and communication

   2. repetitive or obsessive behaviors

   3. preoccupation with particular subjects or interests

   4. good (sometimes superior) grammar and vocabulary

   5. normal cognitive development

   6. normal or above average intelligence.

ADHD is an attention and impulse control disorder associated with the executive function of the brain.

1. Being easily distracted

2.  Failing to pay attention to details and making careless mistakes

3. Forgetting things, such as pencils, that are needed to complete a task

4. Not being able to sit still

5. Talking non-stop

6. Being unable to suppress impulses such as making inappropriate comments, hitting people or putting oneself in danger.

          

As you can see there are key differences as you have noted. You might say that Asperger's actually resembles OCD more than it does ADHD.

One of the key differences in children on the autism spectrum is that they do not feel empathy. It isn't that they are cold people, but they don't have "theory of mind" in that they don't realize that that others have beliefs, desires and intentions that are different from their own. Children with ADHD do have this ability.

I think that one area that ADHD and Asperger's kids have some similarities is in the inattention aspect of their disorders. However, an Asperger's kid may be inattentive because they are lost in their own thoughts and fail to respond because they aren't interested in responding. ADHD children will be inattentive, but when they are inattentive they are usually focused on some irrelevant object in their environment like playing with a pebble when they are supposed to be listening.

Autism is on the same spectrum as Asperger's, but unlike that population, children with autism are thought to have a communication disorder. They cannot process language nor can they communicate their needs and desires. They often have extreme sensory issues in that incoming sounds, sights or touch can overwhelm their nervous systems to the point that they can shut down or scream.

There are some diagnostic scales available to give you some insight into whether or not your child exhibits autism or

Asperger's behaviors. Two are the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale and the Gillim Asperger's Rating Scale. Your school may have something similar.

If you want to read an interesting book about autism, check Dr. Temple Grandin's book, "Thinking in Pictures" out of the library. She is autistic but has found a way to communicate. She will give you some valuable information from the "inside."

Answer 2

ADHD and Asperger's are similar in some aspects - both tend to be socially inept, both tend to avoid other people, etc., Asperger's is relatively new, compared to ADHD. It IS on the autism spectrum. SOme doctors say that Aspies are high functioning autistic. Relax! it is NOT like being autistic like when you think of Rain Man. there are behavior therapy and exercises to help her. The best thing to do is 2-fold: 1) Find a child psychologist or child psychiatrist you can trust. Go with your gut instinct. you and the doctor should be partnering to help your child. if you don't like the doctor keep looking until you do find one you like. if you do like the doctor, HANG ON TO HIM!  2) educate your self.  Read all you can about Aspergers and ADHD. Russell Barkley has a great book out about ADHD.  Remember, the best way to discipline an ADHD child is with lots of praise and very little criticism.  It is common for ADHD to have Asperger tendencies.  The best thing you can do is educate the people around you. Work with the doctors to get your child a 504 OHI for the school - that is paperwork to get her the help she needs (extra time for tests, etc). Remember - you are mom, you know her best, trust your gut!  Email me and we will talk more. I'm here for ya.

Answer 3

The thinking at the moment is that ADHD could be on the autistic spectrum. Children ADHD do tend to display a lot of characteristics of children with Aspergers or those on the autistic spectrum. I have a daughter with Asperger syndrome who does have a lot of behaviours of ADHD! I personally think there is a link and they will eventually all be on the same spectrum. Some children are diagnosed with both. If you think your daughter does have traits of Aspergers go back to your doctor and suggest this. Good luck.