Neurodiversity: ASD & ADHD

ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD, previously known as Attention Deficit Disorder or ADD) is a neurodevelopment disorder that affects both children and adults. It is characterised by a long-term pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.

ADHD is common and it can have a significant impact on daily life. But with the right support and strategies, individuals with ADHD can lead successful and fulfilling lives.

Symptoms

Individuals with ADHD often have difficulty with:

  • Ignoring distractions

  • Paying attention to the task they are doing

  • Starting tasks (appearing like procrastination)

  • Misplacing their belongings

  • Acting without thinking things through (impulsivity)

  • Remembering to do things

  • Maintaining the mental effort to complete tasks

  • Organisation and planning

  • Keeping track of time

  • Managing emotions such as frustration and boredom

  • Following rules

  • Motivating themselves

Different types of ADHD:

ADHD begins at birth and in most cases persists (to some degree) throughout life. ADHD can present as a number of different behaviours described as hyperactive, impulsive, and/or inattentive. Some individuals may have greater difficulties in the area of hyperactivity and others may have greater difficulty sustaining attention. Furthermore, some individuals may have a combination of both behaviours and these individuals will require the most support.

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Signs of Autism primary school aged children

  • Children are often diagnosed with autism once they get to school, when the social communication and behavioural characteristics mark their development out as different to their peers

  • Difficulty  with conversation with others, perhaps dominating conversations with their favourite topic and not knowing how to take turns. Not paying attention to or able to interpret non-verbal communication of others.

  • Different  speech patterns may have a monotonous tone or an old fashioned way of talking.

  • Seeking solitude, may find being with others very stressful and exhausting .

  • Being rigid in following rules at school and in sport and games.

  • Finding it hard to read social cues and the unwritten rules of friendship.

  • Having unusual or intense interests.

  • Sometimes there are repetitive physical movements, such as touching, biting, rocking or finger flicking.

  • Having sensory issues, either heightened or lack of sense of smell, touch, taste, sound and vision

  • Need to follow routines to feel secure, become very upset when expected routines change.

  • Having only few close friends.

  • Aggression is sometimes seen, usually as a way of avoiding overwhelming situations.

  • Anxiety is also common, especially as children enter the teenager years.