Autism Vs. ADHD: What's the difference?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are two conditions that affect how the brain works and develops. For example, areas of the brain that control thinking, focus, and emotions may work differently in children with these diagnoses. ASD and ADHD are often identified in childhood and can look similar at first, which is why families sometimes feel unsure about what’s really going on. Understanding how they overlap (and how they differ) can help parents, caregivers, and teachers give children the right type of support.

ADHD vs. autism spectrum disorder

Is ADHD part of the autism spectrum? While they share some traits, ASD and ADHD are two separate conditions:

ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder affects how children pay attention, manage their energy, and control their impulses. Some children with ADHD struggle to stay focused, while others may be more hyperactive or act without thinking. ADHD is often treated with medication, behavioral therapy, school accommodations, and changes to daily routines.

Autism

Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning it affects each child differently. Children diagnosed with autism may have trouble with communication, eye contact, or understanding social cues. They may repeat certain movements, prefer routines, or develop strong interests in specific topics. Autism is often supported through therapies such as applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, which uses the science of learning to help children build new skills using evidence-based strategies and positive reinforcement.

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How are autism and ADHD similar?

Despite their differences, autism and ADHD share several traits. Both conditions can affect how children behave, interact with others, and understand the world around them.

Children with either condition may experience:

• Trouble paying attention
• Seeking or avoiding sensory experiences
• Social challenges
• Impulsive behaviors
• Difficulty staying motivated

Some children may have both ASD and ADHD. However, having a few shared symptoms doesn’t always mean a dual diagnosis. A pediatrician or specialist can help determine what’s truly going on and recommend the next steps. Sometimes, learning or speech differences can look similar to ADHD or autism, which is why a full evaluation is important.

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ABA therapy: evidence-based autism treatment

Applied behavior analysis is a gold-standard, evidence-based behavioral therapy for helping children diagnosed with autism learn meaningful skills for everyday life. ABA uses positive reinforcement and individualized teaching to help children learn communication, social, school-readiness, and self-care skills.

At Action Behavior Centers, we create personalized therapy plans tailored to each child’s strengths and needs. Board Certified Behavior Analysts® (BCBAs®) work closely with families to choose goals, track progress, and update the therapy plan as children grow. ABA can also reduce behaviors, such as aggression or self-injury, that may make learning harder.

A clear path forward

If you think your child might show signs of autism or ADHD, talking with their pediatrician is a great first step. Getting answers early can help your child access the support they need to thrive.

Want trusted guidance?

Action Behavior Centers offers no-cost autism screening tools like the M-CHAT-R and CAST, evaluation support, and personalized ABA therapy for children diagnosed with autism. Take the next step today. Complete a quick online screening or contact us to learn more about getting started.

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