Raising a child is joyful and challenging, often leading to questions about their health and development. Concerns can increase when a child shows signs of neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
One in nine children is diagnosed with ADHD, while 1 in 36 children is diagnosed with Autism. Furthermore, up to 60% of children with ASD show symptoms of ADHD. And 78% of children with ADHD have at least one other co-occurring condition.
With millions of children in the U.S. diagnosed with ADHD or Autism, it’s no wonder that parents often find themselves grappling with the complexities of understanding these distinct yet sometimes overlapping conditions.
Is a child’s difficulty making friends a result of Autistic traits or ADHD-related impulsivity? Could their intense concentration on a favorite topic be a sign of Autism or an ADHD hyperfixation?
In this article, we’ll explore the key differences and commonalities between these two conditions, shedding light on their symptoms, causes, and, most importantly, a neurologically focused approach to care.
We exist to empower parents with the knowledge and resources they need to help their child thrive, regardless of their neurodevelopmental challenges. So, let’s dive in and simplify the complex world of ADHD vs Autism.
Understanding ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning and development. It is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders diagnosed in children.
An estimated 7 million U.S. children aged 3 to 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD, representing 11.4%, according to a 2022 national survey of parents.
Children with ADHD often experience significant challenges in various aspects of their lives, including:
- Difficulty sustaining attention and staying on task
- Trouble organizing and completing tasks
- Impulsive behavior and difficulty waiting their turn
- Fidgeting, squirming, or excessive talking
- Strained relationships with peers and family members
These traits can manifest differently depending on the type of ADHD a child has. The three types of ADHD, as outlined in the DSM-5, are:
- Predominantly Inattentive Type: Children with this type of ADHD struggle primarily with focus, organization, and following through on tasks.
- Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: These children exhibit more symptoms related to hyperactivity and impulsivity, such as fidgeting, interrupting, and having difficulty sitting still.
- Combined Type: Children with combined type ADHD display a mix of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
Regardless of the type, ADHD can significantly impact a child’s academic performance, social interactions, and overall well-being.
Parents can seek support and guidance from qualified professionals who can develop a neurologically-focused care plan tailored to their child’s unique needs.
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD, is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent challenges in social interaction, communication, and restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. As the term “spectrum” suggests, the severity and presentation of these symptoms can vary widely from one individual to another.
According to the CDC, in 2023, approximately 1 in 36 eight-year-old children has been identified with ASD. While the traits of ASD typically begin to manifest in early childhood, some children may not receive a diagnosis until later in life.
Children with ASD often face significant challenges in various areas of their lives, including:
- Difficulty initiating and maintaining social interactions
- Trouble understanding and responding to social cues
- Delayed or atypical language development
- Rigid adherence to routines or rituals
- Intense preoccupation with specific topics or objects
- Sensory processing differences, such as heightened sensitivity to certain sounds or textures
The severity of these symptoms can range from mild to severe, with some individuals requiring extensive support in their daily lives, while others may be able to function more independently. The level of support needed can also change over time as the individual develops and learns new skills.
Early identification and care plans can make a significant difference in the long-term outcomes for children with ASD. A dynamic care strategy can help parents feel empowered as they partner with a Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractor to help with child with Autism.
Similarities between ADHD and Autism
While ADHD and Autism are distinct neurodevelopmental conditions, they share several overlapping characteristics that can make it challenging for parents and professionals to differentiate between the two conditions.
The high co-occurrence rate of ADHD and Autism further complicates this overlap. Studies suggest that approximately 12.5% of children diagnosed with ADHD also have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis, while 30-50% of children with ASD exhibit ADHD symptoms. Additionally, about two-thirds of individuals with ADHD show features of ASD.
Some of the shared characteristics between ADHD and Autism include:
- Difficulty with social interaction: Children with either condition may struggle to make and maintain friendships, understand social cues, or engage in age-appropriate social behaviors.
- Attention issues: Both ADHD and Autism can involve challenges with sustaining attention, particularly on tasks that are not of high interest to the individual.
- Sensory processing difficulties: Children with ADHD or Autism may experience heightened sensitivity or unusual responses to sensory input, such as sounds, textures, or visual stimuli.
In addition to these overlapping characteristics, ADHD and Autism also share some common risk factors. These risk factors extend far beyond just genetic inheritance, which is the outdated explanation most conventional pediatricians and medical providers still give to parents of children with ADHD and Autism, and really center on a sequence of early life stressors and environmental triggers or influences we refer to as “The Perfect Storm” and will break down in detail later on in this article.
The research shows that there is indeed a genetic factor in both conditions, with studies suggesting a hereditary component. It’s also important to recognize the environmental factors, such as prenatal exposure to toxins or maternal stress during pregnancy, have also been linked to an increased risk of developing either condition.
Other Co-Conditions and Connections Between Autism and ADHD
One other area of connection and similarity between these two conditions is the role that neurophysiological dysfunction and other chronic health issues play in their development. We routinely find that children struggling with the neurological components of both Autism and ADHD also have issues with gut health, immune system dysfunction and neural inflammation, and motor tone and coordination issues.
It’s this area of similarity and comorbidities that helps us see that the root causes of these two neurodevelopmental disorders are actually similar, something we’ll continue to dive into throughout this article.
Difference between ADHD and Autism
Despite the overlapping symptoms and shared risk factors, Autism and ADHD have several key differences that set them apart. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate diagnosis and targeted interventions.
Social Interaction and Communication
- ADHD: Children with ADHD may struggle with social interaction due to impulsivity and inattention, but they generally have a better understanding of social skills and a desire to engage with others.
- Autism: Children with Autism have an inherent difficulty interpreting social cues and may show less interest in social interaction. They may also have trouble with nonverbal communication, such as eye contact and facial expressions.
Repetitive Behaviors and Routines
- ADHD: Repetitive behaviors are not a core feature of ADHD, although some children may engage in fidgeting or other repetitive actions due to hyperactivity or restlessness.
- Autism: Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities are a key diagnostic criterion for Autism. Children with Autism may have intense preoccupations with specific topics or objects and may struggle with changes in routine.
Attention and Focus
- ADHD: Children with ADHD often have difficulty sustaining attention on tasks that are not highly interesting or rewarding to them. They may be easily distracted by external stimuli and struggle with organization and task completion.
- Autism: Children with Autism may have intense focus on areas of interest, to the point of becoming hyper-fixated. They may struggle with shifting attention between tasks or topics, especially when it involves transitioning away from a preferred interest.
Age of Onset
- ADHD: While symptoms of ADHD typically begin in childhood, the average age of diagnosis is around 7 years old.
- Autism: Signs of Autism can often be recognized as early as 12-18 months of age, with most children being diagnosed before the age of 3.
The “Perfect Storm” and Nervous System Dysregulation
At PX Docs, we understand that ADHD and Autism are not solely the result of genetic factors or predetermined brain differences. Instead, we view these conditions through the “Perfect Storm” framework, which highlights the role of nervous system dysregulation in the development of neurodevelopmental disorders.
The “Perfect Storm” refers to a combination of factors that can disrupt a child’s nervous system development, including:
- Fertility challenges, which can lead to prenatal stress and maternal health issues
- Birth interventions and trauma, such as C-sections, forceps, or vacuum extraction
- Early life stressors and environmental factors, such as toxin exposure or emotional trauma
- Overuse of prescriptions and use of antibiotics
- Early and continued exposure to environmental toxins and chemicals
The accumulation of these factors over time often overwhelms the brain and nervous system and leads to subluxation, a condition characterized by nervous system interference, imbalance, and dysfunction. Subluxation can contribute to dysautonomia, an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system that regulates crucial functions such as heart rate, digestion, and emotional regulation.
By addressing subluxation and dysautonomia, PX Docs target the root cause of Autism vs ADHD, rather than simply managing symptoms or relying on pharmaceutical interventions alone.
Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care for ADHD and Autism
PX Docs offers a unique, Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care approach for children with ADHD, Autism, and other neurodevelopmental disorders. This approach differs from conventional “treatments” by focusing on the nervous system as the foundation for optimal health and development.
Our doctors use advanced diagnostic tools, such as INSiGHT scans, to identify areas of nervous system dysregulation, dysautonomia, and subluxation. These scans provide valuable information about a child’s neurological function, allowing our practitioners to develop targeted, individualized care plans and adjustments.
While every child’s journey is unique, we have seen countless success stories of children thriving under PX Docs’ care.
From improved focus and social engagement to reduced anxiety and better sleep, the positive impact of Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care can be truly life-changing for families navigating the challenges of ADHD and Autism!
The Path Forward for Children with ADHD and Autism
We believe every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential, regardless of neurodevelopmental challenges. We understand the confusion and frustration parents face navigating ADHD and Autism, and we provide compassionate, neurologically-focused care to empower families and transform lives of children with these chronic conditions.
By listening to parents and conducting comprehensive assessments, we develop personalized care plans that address the root causes of challenges at a deeper, foundational level than any other clinical approach or intervention.
Additionally, we take a “team-based” approach by partnering with and empowering parents all along the way, as well as collaborating with other professionals and providers on the child’s care team. Once the nervous system is better balanced, regulated, and functional – other therapies and interventions that may have previously been ineffective may now have a more profound impact and effectiveness!
If you are a parent seeking answers and support for your child’s ADHD, Autism, or other neurodevelopmental challenges, we invite you to explore the PX Docs approach. By visiting our directory, you can find a qualified PX Docs practitioner near you who can help guide you on your journey towards healing and thriving!
