Autism and ADHD are two neurodevelopmental disorders that are often confused or believed to be directly related.
Although they can share symptoms and characteristics, ADHD and autism differ in their causes, manifestations, and treatments.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition related to brain development that affects how a person perceives and interacts with others, causing problems in social interaction and communication.
The disorder also includes restricted and repetitive behavior patterns. The term “spectrum” in autism spectrum disorder refers to the wide range of symptoms and severity.

Autism spectrum disorder includes conditions that were previously considered separate, such as autism, Asperger’s syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and an unspecified form of pervasive developmental disorder. Some people still use the term “Asperger’s syndrome,” which is generally considered to be at the milder end of the autism spectrum.

Autism spectrum disorder begins in early childhood and over time can cause difficulties functioning in society—not because of the disorder itself, but because the symptoms and how they are perceived by the social environment create challenges in forming social bonds and relationships, such as in social situations, school, or work. Children usually show signs of autism within the first year, a smaller number of children may seem to develop typically in the first year, then experience a period of regression between 18 and 24 months of age when symptoms begin to appear.

While there is no cure for autism spectrum disorders, intensive and early treatment can make a significant difference in many children’s lives.
That’s why it is crucial to educate people on how to connect with, relate to, raise, and educate a child with autism.

Symptoms

Some children show signs of autism spectrum disorder in early infancy, such as reduced eye contact, not responding to their name, or seeming indifferent to caregivers. Others may develop normally for the first months or years of life but then suddenly become withdrawn or aggressive or lose previously acquired language skills. Generally, signs are evident by age 2.

Autism spectrum disorders can manifest in unique behavioral patterns and levels of severity in each child, ranging from low to high functioning.

Some children with ASD have learning difficulties and show below-average intelligence, while others may have normal or high intelligence, learn quickly, but struggle to communicate, apply their knowledge in daily life, and adapt to social situations. This implies that more than the presence of the disorder, academic performance is closely tied to the child’s psycho-emotional well-being rather than IQ.

Because every child presents a unique combination of symptoms, determining severity can be difficult. It is generally based on the degree of impairment and how it affects functioning.

Here are some common signs of autism spectrum disorder: Communication and Social Interaction

A child or adult with autism spectrum disorder may have issues with social interaction and communication skills, showing any of the following signs:

• Does not respond to their name or seems not to hear you at times
• Resists hugs and physical contact, seems to prefer playing alone, and gets lost in their own world
• Rarely makes eye contact and may lack facial expressions
• Doesn’t speak or has delayed speech development or loses previously acquired language
• Can’t start or maintain a conversation, or only starts one to request things or name objects
• Speaks with an unusual tone or rhythm, using a sing-song voice or robotic speech
• Repeats words or phrases but doesn’t understand how to use them
• Doesn’t seem to understand simple questions or directions
• Doesn’t express emotions or seems unaware of others’ feelings
• Doesn’t point to or bring objects to share interest
• Approaches social interactions inappropriately, behaving passively, aggressively, or disruptively
• Struggles to recognize nonverbal cues, like others’ facial expressions, body postures, or tone of voice

Behavior Patterns

A child or adult with ASD may show repetitive and limited interests, activities, or behavior patterns, with signs such as:

• Performs repetitive movements, like rocking, spinning, or hand flapping
• Engages in self-harming activities, such as biting or head-banging
• Develops specific routines or rituals and gets upset over minor changes
• Has coordination problems or shows unusual movements, like tiptoeing or exaggerated body language
• Gets fascinated with parts of objects (like spinning wheels on a toy car) but doesn’t understand the object’s function
• Is more sensitive than usual to light, sound, or touch but may be indifferent to pain or temperature
• Doesn’t engage in pretend or make-believe play
• Becomes intensely focused or obsessed with an object or activity
• Has strong food preferences, such as eating only certain foods or avoiding certain textures

As they grow older, some children with autism spectrum disorder become more socially engaged and show fewer behavioral disturbances. Those with milder issues may eventually lead nearly normal lives. Others continue to struggle with language and social skills, and in adolescence, behavioral and emotional issues may intensify.

Undoubtedly, epigenetics now shows that all these patterns are adaptable, and early psycho-emotional bonding is crucial from the moment the disorder is identified. Family training may be the most important factor in developing compensatory tools.

When to See a Doctor

Each child develops at their own pace, and many don’t follow the exact timeline found in parenting books. However, children with ASD usually show developmental delays before age 2.

If you’re concerned about your child’s development or suspect autism, talk to your doctor. Autism symptoms can also be linked to other developmental disorders.

Autism spectrum disorder signs typically appear early in development when noticeable delays in language and social interaction are present. Your doctor might recommend developmental testing if your child:

• Doesn’t smile or show joyful expressions by 6 months
• Doesn’t mimic sounds or facial expressions by 9 months
• Doesn’t babble or coo by 12 months
• Doesn’t use gestures like pointing or waving by 14 months
• Doesn’t say simple words by 16 months
• Doesn’t play “pretend” games by 18 months
• Doesn’t speak two-word phrases by 24 months
• Loses language or social skills at any age

Causes

There’s no single known cause of autism spectrum disorders. Given the complexity of the condition and the variation in symptoms and severity, multiple causes are likely. Both genetics and environment may play roles.

Genetics:
Several genes appear to be involved in ASD. In some children, autism may be linked to genetic disorders such as Rett syndrome or fragile X syndrome. For others, gene mutations may increase the risk of ASD. Some mutations are inherited, while others happen spontaneously.

Environmental Factors:
Researchers are studying whether things like viral infections, medications, pregnancy complications, or air pollutants might trigger ASD.

No Link Between Vaccines and Autism

One major controversy has been whether childhood vaccines are linked to autism. Despite extensive research, no credible study has shown a link between autism and vaccines. The first study that sparked this debate was later retracted due to poor design and questionable methods.

Not vaccinating your child puts them—and others—at risk of serious diseases such as whooping cough, mumps, and measles.

Risk Factors

The number of children diagnosed with ASD is increasing. It’s unclear whether this is due to better detection/reporting, an actual rise in cases, or both.

ASD affects children of all races and nationalities, but certain factors may increase chances, including:

• Child’s sex: Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with ASD than girls.
• Family history: Families with one child with ASD have a higher risk of having another. Parents or relatives may also display minor social or communication difficulties.
• Other disorders: Children with conditions like fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, or Rett syndrome may have higher ASD risk.
• Extreme prematurity: Babies born before 26 weeks may face increased risk.
• Parental age: Some research suggests a link between older parents and higher ASD risk, but more evidence is needed.

Complications

Difficulties in social interaction, communication, and behavior can lead to:

• Academic and learning problems
• Employment challenges
• Inability to live independently
• Social isolation
• Family stress
• Bullying and victimization

Prevention

There’s no way to prevent autism, but there are treatment options. Early diagnosis and intervention are the most helpful and can significantly improve language, behavioral, and developmental outcomes. However, intervention is beneficial at any age. Although most children won’t outgrow autism symptoms, they can learn to function as well as any other child.

With thanks to Mayo Clinic.