Khaberni - A mental health expert has revealed key differences between autism spectrum disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Conor McDonagh, founder and director of "Caerus Therapies" specializing in providing assessment and support services for autism patients, noted that despite some similarities in behaviors, there are clear differences between the two conditions.
According to the "Mirror" newspaper, McDonagh regularly publishes valuable tips on his "TikTok" account, covering diverse topics from sensory processing issues to ways to support a child with autism.
Among these posts, he presented a brief video highlighting the top five differences between autism and hyperactivity and attention deficit, which are:
1. Social Interactions
Autism: Difficulty in learning and acquiring the basic social skills necessary for appropriate interaction with others.
Hyperactivity and Attention Deficit: The individual possesses basic social skills and can quickly establish relationships with others, but difficulties may arise later due to impulsivity or distraction, which can impede the continuity of interaction.
2. Non-verbal Behavior
Autism: Challenges in using and interpreting body language, such as facial expressions and gestures, to express emotions or understand others' feelings.
Hyperactivity and Attention Deficit: The individual usually has these skills and uses them appropriately.
3. Building Relationships and Friendships
Autism: Often, building relationships and friendships is a slow and challenging process.
Hyperactivity and Attention Deficit: The ability to form friendships quickly, but the difficulty lies in maintaining them long-term due to impulsivity, distraction, or difficulty following conversations.
4. Stereotypical Behaviors
Autism: Presence of repetitive and stereotypical physical behaviors (such as hand flapping or spinning) or repetitive and unusual speech patterns.
Hyperactivity and Attention Deficit: This trait is not considered central to the diagnosis.
5. Focused and Intense Interests
Autism: Characterized by intensely focused and restricted interests, lasting for long periods (months or years), and may return to them even if abandoned for a while.
Hyperactivity and Attention Deficit: May show intense interests but they are often short-lived (days or weeks), as the individual quickly shifts to new interests.
What is Autism?
Autism is a developmental disorder that affects how the brain works, making those affected perceive the world and interact with it differently. Its signs usually appear in early childhood, but it may not be diagnosed until later stages of life.
People with autism face difficulties in communication and social interaction, along with challenges in understanding the emotions and intentions of others. Many also suffer from extreme sensitivity to loud sounds, bright lights, or certain textures, causing them discomfort or stress.
The need for routine and the repetition of certain behaviors or thoughts are also common traits, as they provide a sense of stability and comfort.
New or unfamiliar social situations can trigger anxiety, and they often need more time to process information and adapt to changes around them.
What is hyperactivity and attention deficit?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurological condition that affects how the brain functions, particularly in aspects related to control, regulation, and execution.
Its symptoms appear in three key areas:
First, attention deficit, where the affected person finds it difficult to focus for long periods, tends to overlook and forget details, making task completion challenging.
Second, hyperactivity, which is evident in excess energy and constant movement, whether fidgeting, difficulty sitting quietly, or the constant need to be busy with something.
Third, impulsivity, i.e., difficulties in controlling behavior and reactions, which may lead the person to speak or act before thinking about the consequences.
The impact of this disorder varies from person to person, as it may be more pronounced in one of the three aspects or combine them to varying degrees.
