Though it is not known why autism, attention deficit disorder,
as well as other autism spectrum conditions have become
increasingly common, their instances have continued to rise
substantially over the past few decades. The controversy
surrounding this issue is currently escalating as quickly as the
rate of instances. Another challenge is the diagnosis - and
misdiagnoses - of these conditions, leading to common autism
attention deficit confusion.
The term "autism" covers a broad range of conditions and
symptoms ranging dramatically in their severity, causing it to
frequently be referred to as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD
includes autism itself, Asperger's syndrome, as well as other
pervasive developmental disorders. It does not, however, include
attention deficit disorder (ADD) nor attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Nevertheless, the autism attention deficit confusion remains due
to the similarity frequently witnessed in the symptoms of each
condition. As there is no single specified group of symptoms
that occurs in every instance of either autism or attention
deficit disorder it can make them hard to diagnose, especially
for the lay person.
The key to making sure that the right diagnosis is achieved, and
that autism and attention deficit confusion is avoided, is to
understand the signs and symptoms of both disorders.
Self-education is a parent's best tool for understanding what he
or she is and is not facing in their child.
Both conditions will present in the same way at the beginning,
both socially and biologically. Both conditions include a
lacking in the executive functions (planning, decision-making
and response control) within the brain's frontal lobes, and have
a number of shared symptoms. Even autism and attention deficit
disorder research have similarities in the behaviors and
behavioral processes that are studied and believed to be linked
to impairments in brain functioning. Furthermore, both
conditions include a form of deficiency in both fine and gross
motor skills.
However, despite these commonalities in symptoms, autism and ADD
confusion is just that - a confusion between two entirely
different disorders. That being said, when ADD and ADHD are
diagnosed, doctors will not routinely screen for autism. The
onus is placed upon parents, teachers, and other caregivers to
observe behaviors that deviate from ADD, and to identify a
narrower perspective with regards to the child's behavioral
issues.
Should misdiagnosis be suspected, it is wise for parents to
familiarize themselves with the various behaviors common to both
autism and ADD and then to recognize the differences.
Behaviors frequently seen in autistic children include:
- Difficulty socializing with other children the same or
different ages. - Difficulty socializing with adults - Lack of
fear of danger - Tantrums - showing large degrees of distress
for no clear reason - Inappropriate laughing - Dislike of
cuddling - Little to no eye contact made - Notable physical
over- or under-activity - Uneven fine and/or gross motor skills
- Impulsive working habits with frequent sloppiness and careless
mistakes
On the other hand, behaviors frequently seen in children with
ADD or ADHD include:
- Inability to speak or play quietly; disruptive in speech or
behaviors - Struggles to wait his or her turn in a game, line,
or other similar activity - Takes part in activities with a high
risk of danger - A lack of normal consideration for caution or
consequences - Extreme temper tantrums - Disruptive,
interrupting, speaking and behaving inappropriately - Difficulty
being held or soothed when very young - Always active and
moving, even while asleep - Doesn't appear to be listening when
directly spoken to - Uneven fine and/or gross motor skills -
Doesn't pay attention to finer details and makes careless
mistakes in tasks.
With these lists of symptoms, it is clear to see why
misdiagnosis and autism attention deficit confusion is so
common. Vigilance and education are the keys to overcoming these
errors.
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