Do You Have Autism Attention Deficit Disorder Confusion?

[Corey Blair]

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 misdiagnosis - 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 finder 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.
http://groups.google.com/group/autismnvc/

[Bea]

Hi Corey,

Dr. Andrew Moulden's (MD, PhD (Neuroscience ) research findings from
speculation to proof causation at www.brainguardmd.com.
Now available on the website is his 6 hr. DVD: "TOLERANCE LOST "

bea