Autism vs ADHD: Key Differences & Expert Care at Cadabam’s CDC
Autism vs ADHD is one of the most common questions parents ask when they notice their child struggling with attention, social skills or sensory issues. While both conditions can look similar on the surface, understanding the key differences helps families find the right support faster. Cadabam’s CDC has spent over three decades guiding parents through this exact journey, offering evidence-based diagnosis, therapy and lifelong support for children and adults across India.
1. Quick Snapshot: Autism vs ADHD at a Glance
Side-by-Side Symptom Comparison Chart
| Area | Autism (ASD) | ADHD |
|---|---|---|
| Attention | Hyper-focused on narrow interests, hard to shift | Easily distracted, jumps between tasks |
| Social Interaction | Difficulty reading social cues, prefers routines | Talks excessively, interrupts, misses cues |
| Communication | Literal language, limited back-and-forth chat | Speaks before thinking, topic shifts quickly |
| Sensory | Over- or under-reacts to lights, sounds, textures | Seeks sensory input—fidgets, touches everything |
| Repetition | Likes sameness, repetitive movements or phrases | Repetitive due to impulsivity, not sameness |
Red Flags Parents Notice First
- Autism: child lines up toys, avoids eye contact, extreme distress over small routine changes.
- ADHD: climbs excessively, blurts answers, loses school supplies daily, can’t wait their turn.
2. How Are ADHD and Autism Diagnosed?
Assessment Tools and Tests We Use
Cadabam’s CDC follows NIMHANS & international guidelines:
- ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule)
- ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview—Revised)
- Conners-3 & Vanderbilt scales for ADHD
- Cognitive tests (WISC-V, BRIEF-2) to rule out learning issues
Role of Parents, Teachers & Clinicians
- Parents: share developmental history, daily challenges
- Teachers: provide school behavior checklists
- Multidisciplinary team: child psychiatrist, clinical psychologist & special educator collaborate for accuracy
Timeline: From Screening to Diagnosis
- Initial screening call: 15 min
- In-clinic evaluations: 2–3 sessions, 45–60 min each
- Feedback & report: within 7 days
- Therapy start: within 2 weeks of diagnosis
3. Overlapping Symptoms That Cause Confusion
Attention Difficulties in Both Disorders
- Autism: attention peaks during special interests; poor joint attention
- ADHD: attention is globally inconsistent; misses details even in liked tasks
Social Challenges: Motivation vs Skill
- Autistic children often want friends but lack skills to initiate
- ADHD kids crave interaction yet impulsivity annoys peers
Sensory Sensitivities and Hyperactivity
- Sensory overload can look like hyperactivity in autism—covering ears, bolting from rooms
- ADHD hyperactivity is motor-driven—running, climbing, tapping
4. Treatment Options: Tailored Plans for ADHD, Autism, or Both
Behavioural Interventions (ABA vs CBT)
- ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis): gold standard for autism—builds communication, daily living skills
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy): effective for ADHD—teaches impulse control, planning
Medication Considerations
- ADHD: stimulants (methylphenidate, atomoxetine) monitored monthly
- Autism: medication only for co-occurring irritability, anxiety—never the core social deficits
Parent Training & School Collaboration
- Weekly parent coaching at Cadabam’s CDC
- IEP meetings with schools to adjust seating, exam time, sensory breaks
5. Adults: Autism vs ADHD Diagnosis & Support
Late-Identified Cases
Many adults discover the difference only when their child is diagnosed. Common signs:
- Autism: lifelong social exhaustion, strict routines, special interests
- ADHD: chronic lateness, unfinished projects, impulsive spending
Workplace & Relationship Strategies
- Autism: clear written instructions, noise-cancelling headphones
- ADHD: timers, task-batching, accountability buddy systems
Cadabam’s CDC Adult Services Overview
- Comprehensive adult assessments
- Individual therapy & group social-skills classes
- Career counselling & couples therapy options
6. Can My Child Have Both ADHD and Autism?
Statistics on Dual Diagnosis
Roughly 30–50 % of autistic children also meet criteria for ADHD. Research calls this “AuDHD.”
Integrated Therapy Approach
Cadabam’s CDC designs one unified plan:
- Morning: ABA for social skills
- Afternoon: CBT modules for attention
- Medication reviewed by child psychiatrist familiar with both conditions
Insurance Coverage Tips
- Use ICD-10 codes F84.0 (autism) & F90.9 (ADHD)
- Pre-authorisation letter from Cadabam’s CDC speeds reimbursement