Is ADHD something that can be associated with autism?

[Hailey 0]

My son is autistic and as of lately I have been noticing a lot of symptoms of ADHD. He has absolutely no attention span! When ever we sit him down to do something he likes to do he is back up doing something else within a minute or two. He has become very hyper. It is like he never stops going. I'm unsure if it's just his age (4 years) or if it could be some ADHD problems. If anyone has any input please get back to me. Thank you!

[kinser 3]

I know from a couple of my friends who have autistic children that there definitely can be other diagnoses. It doens't mean all autistic children will be ADD/ADHD or have other disorders, but it is common. I'm not sure what age is considered appropriate for a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD though. It's definitley something to bring up to his doctor.

[Mrs. Rogers 2]

At 4 it would be extremely difficult to diagnose ADHD. I would wait until he's in school - perhaps around first grade? That way his teachers can give the Doctor an unbiased evaluation of him during school hours.

[shaun 6]

There is a lot of confusion surrounding the link between Autism and ADHD. This is because the symptoms at an early age can be similar. Autistic children can be hyperactive in their early years. However, the ADHD symptoms disperse as the child ages and the symptoms of Autism come to the fore.

[Synthia 1]

Good luck!

[ZigZiglar 10]

An ADHD child can easily appear to be ASD/Autistic to a certain extent. Think about the similarities in impulse control and emotional overreaction, in particular to STIMULI (such as noises "normal" kids wouldn't even take notice of). Sensory Processing Disorder symptoms are clearly present in children of both ADHD and Autism diagnoses. The impulsivity and emotional labiality can generate negative social interaction feedback leading to social anxiety and other similar anti-social behaviours.

Also think about this. Low dopamine levels are present in both types of disorders. Low dopamine is known to chemically steer a person towards an egoistic rationale and drift them further away from altruistic than the typical child.

Additionally, be aware that there are three main sub categories of ADHD: Hyperactivity, Impulsiveness, and Inattentiveness. Many people (including some professionals!) are fixated on the "hyperactivity" symtpoms and seem to not comprehend that there are in fact ADHD sufferers who have minimal hyperactivity and majority inattentive symptoms.

Supplements that assist with the natural production of dopamine will help both diagnoses, simply more significantly so with ADHD.