Differences and similarities between ADHD and Asperger's Syndrome

How are ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder with or without Hyperactivity) similar to Asperger's Syndrome? Are two entities totally different or share similarities that may confuse the initial diagnosis? As we will see, although ADHD and Asperger Syndrome are two different and independent disorders, th

How are ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder with or without Hyperactivity) similar to Asperger's Syndrome? Are two entities totally different or share similarities that may confuse the initial diagnosis?

As we will see, although ADHD and Asperger Syndrome are two different and independent disorders, they share some symptoms to such an extent that sometimes the initial diagnosis of ADHD is finally diagnosed as Asperger's Syndrome.

Asperger children and ADHD children

Both disorders present important deficits in the areas of: communication, social skills, attention and self-control during the first years of childhood. Difficulties that cause dysfunctional social behaviors that cause them and their families problems in many life situations.

However, the problems they present in each of these large areas are due to different causes or reasons. A systematic and attentive observation of the symptoms will allow us to make a good differential diagnosis. The older the child the easier it is to observe the differences.

1. Communicative deficits

Although in both cases we find deficits in communication and a limited capacity to hold conversations, the causes, in one or another disorder, are very different.

While the child with ADHD has problems understanding what others say due to their lack of attention and their constant interruptions, due to the lack of control of their impulses, the problem of comprehension of the child with Asperger's Syndrome has its origin in the inability to understand language. Difficulty that gets worse especially when metaphors, ironies, sarcasms or jokes are used. They do not understand double meanings, their understanding of language is literal.

2. Problems of social interaction: poor social skills

In both disorders we find great difficulty in relating to others due to their deficits in social skills and lack of empathy.

Thus, while in the case of children with ADHD they are rejected by their classmates because they tend to bother them or ignore the rules due to their impulsiveness, the child with Asperger is isolated due to lack of interest and because of their difficulty in understanding the rules when they understand them. the verbatim.

3. Attention Deficit

Both are easily distracted and seem not to attend or listen when spoken to.

The difference is that while the child with ADHD is unable to maintain attention and concentrate (since it is easily dispersed due to its difficulty in filtering the stimuli), in the case of the child with Asperger's Syndrome his inattention is due to the loss of interest. If something interests them they are able to concentrate perfectly. Problemas 4. Problems of self-control and hyperkinetic behavior

In both cases we find problems of motor and emotional self-control. These children are constantly moving, clumsy and uncoordinated, with low tolerance for frustration.

In Asperger syndrome we observe a tendency to swing, to make repetitive movements or to walk while concentrating which can be confused with the need to move that the child feels with ADHD, which can not stop moving hands and feet or get up from his Seat in situations that require you to remain seated.