What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts socially, and processes sensory information. The term "spectrum" reflects the wide range of symptoms, skills, and levels of disability that individuals with ASD can experience. Some people may have significant challenges that require substantial support, while others may be highly independent and have subtle differences in behavior or communication.

Common traits include difficulties with social interaction, repetitive behaviors, and intense interests, though each person's experience with ASD is unique.

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ASD vs. ADHD

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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism have a tendency to share many similar symptoms. Both show signs of: problems with focus, inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, communication, trouble with school work and with social interactions. However, the two are completely different conditions. Autism is a developmental disorder whereas ADHD impacts the way the brain grows and develops. And possibly, you or your child can have both. According to researchers, roughly two-thirds of kids with ADHD have at least one co-existing condition, and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are among the conditions that commonly occur with ADHD. Some studies suggest that up to half of kids with ASD also have ADHD.

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There are two main differences between the two conditions:

1. ATTENTION

   While children with Autism will struggle to focus on things that they want to do and fixate on other things, kids with ADHD simply lose interest.
    

2. COMMUNICATION

   A child with ADHD may talk nonstop, interrupting or attempt to dominate conversations, while a child with Autism may have a hard time communicating thoughts and feelings.
   
    

Our goal is to provide an early diagnosis and set the child on a correct treatment plan in order to insure that both as kids and into adolescence and adulthood he or she can lead a successful, and happy life!