
Historically, healthcare professionals identified Asperger’s syndrome later than other forms of ASD because children do not experience intellectual or language delays. These tests can rule out or diagnose other conditions. These include verbal, visual, hearing, and physical tests. To diagnose ASD and ADHD, one or more doctors will observe children and take a complete personal and medical history.ĭoctors may do tests to look for difficulties with learning, sensory processing, or motor skills. Healthcare professionals specializing in childhood neurodevelopmental conditions will usually diagnose ASD and ADHD. Researchers are working on ways to use brain-imaging tools to identify both conditions. impatience or having a hard time waiting, sharing, or taking turnsĬurrently, there are no specific scientific tools, such as blood tests, to diagnose ASD or ADHD.trouble with quiet tasks or sitting still.fidgeting or touching everything around them.difficulties with resisting impulses or temptations.taking unnecessary risks or making careless mistakes.

Some people with ADHD experience ongoing patterns of inattention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity, or they may experience all of these behaviors that cause them problems with social or occupational functioning. problems interpreting and responding to non-verbal communication, such as facial gestures or expressions.clumsy or uncoordinated motor movements, such as a walk that appears bouncy or tilted.different social and emotional responses from neurotypical people.different speech or language traits from neurotypical people.They may learn everything they can about an object or topic and have little interest in pursuing or discussing much else.Īutistic people may also have the following traits: Individuals with ASD can have an obsessive interest in a specific object or topic, though not everyone experiences this. Some people have mild difficulties with communication and language, while others have more pronounced problems. For example, autistic children can find socializing more difficult than children with ADHD due to problems interpreting and responding to social cues and norms.Įvery autistic person is different. How pronounced and numerous a person’s difficulties can help distinguish ASD from ADHD. understanding but breaking rules or not listening to directions.being impatient and having trouble sitting still during quiet activities.taking physical risks or playing too rough.trouble following instructions and finishing schoolwork, job duties, or chores.trouble focusing or paying attention to details.developmental delays in motor skills in some casesīehavior traits that occur in ADHD but not ASD include:.trouble making eye contact and other nonverbal communication, such as facial expressions or body gestures.difficulties understanding the give-and-take of conversations or seeming to be engaged with conversations, although some people with ADHD may interrupt others who are talking.


