Autism Spectrum Disorder (ADHD)

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Autism versus ADHD Since the spike in diagnosis of Autism occurred in the early 2000’s, people have been relating the disorder to attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. Both of the disorders are mental disorders nationally recognized, however they are quite different for various reasons. Autism spectrum disorder, ASD, is a disorder with different levels of intensity that is characterized by difficulty communicating and repetitive conducts. It varies from high functioning autism spectrum disorder (Asperger’s syndrome) to severe autism spectrum disorder (Rett Syndrome). Symptoms of autism spectrum disorder include, struggle making eye contact, nonverbal behavior, lack of awareness, and an inability or difficulty understanding social …show more content…
If their interests or activities are determined by a repetition of body movements, the repeated use of a “favorite” or particular object, or a pattern of repeating distinctive sentences. People with more severe autism spectrum disorder have more insistence on uniformity, uncompromising obedience to habits, and consistent patterns in both their spoken and unspoken conduct. Small alterations and transitions of any form cause them to be distraught and the main focus becomes getting back on the pattern. For people with Attention Deficit/hyperactivity disorder, it is precisely the opposite. They have a difficulty staying on task or focusing on anything. Often times they are unable to stick with a pattern of conduct because they become bored with it or lack the attention span to recall that they are supposed to be performing some task …show more content…
Both appear to be related to some type of genetic mutation in the brain. As of now, there is no known cause for either of the disorders but many factors may contribute to them such as premature birth, family history, and drug abuse. Both of the disorders are said to be present at birth, even though they tend not to be visible until later years. Although Autism spectrum disorder appears earlier in youth, they both appear in the early stages of life (childhood years). Diagnosis usually occurs in or before the pre-teen years for people with Attention Deficit/hyperactivity disorder, while diagnosis usually happens around the age of 2 for children with autism spectrum disorder, once their parents notice a lack of communication

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