Are Autism and ADHD Related ?

ADHD and Autism spectrum disorder are different but related in several ways, they have some of the same symptoms. And having one of these conditions increases the chances for another.

Let’s talk about how the symptoms of autism and ADHD can overlap. Here are two examples:

• Trouble paying attention: Kids with autism may struggle with this for several reasons. Language difficulties can make it seem like kids aren’t paying attention to directions, but it may be that they just don’t understand the directions.
• Trouble socially: ADHD can affect social skills, can include avoiding eye contact and not understanding other people’s personal space.

Sometimes these overlapping symptoms cause a child to be incorrectly diagnosed. If you’re concerned about a possible misdiagnosis, talk to your child’s doctor. Doctors are used to having these kinds of conversations and can even help you get a second opinion.

Also, having one condition increases the chances of having symptoms of the other. Many developmental issues are like this — they’re likely to occur together. For example, kids with language issues are more likely to have reading disorders.

Autism and ADHD are related genetically, too. A person with autism has a bigger chance of having a close relative with ADHD or another developmental disorder. We need more research to better understand the connection, though.

Because kids with autism and ADHD can have similar signs, some of the ways to help with one can be helpful for the other. For example, kids with both usually benefit from sticking to a routine and doing work in patterns.

Similarly, Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) was developed 30 years primarily to work with autism spectrum disorder but in so many years we have seen Incredible results of the program on ADHD population as well.

Please read the following article on rdiconnect.in on ADHD Behavior Management with RDI

https://www.rdiconnect.com/adhd-behavior-management-from-control-to-regulation/