Expert: Norm Bishop - 4/20/2007

Question
I always thought that people with ADHD had a hard time concentrating and people with Asperger or autism could concentrate for hours, day after day, year after year. But I remember back in school, my mind would wonder and I didn't hear what the teacher said. When I study something I like I can do it for hours, day after day, year after year. So can a person have ADD or ADHD and Asperger and what is the differences?  

Answer
ADHD people usually have a hard time concentrating, but that is not to say that all do.  Each ADHD, ADD person has a uniqueness to his or her disability that defines the problem.  The same is true of someone with Aspergers, they too can be easily distracted, but can focus well when motivated.  

The basic difference is the combination of symptoms.  Persons with Aspergers have many more social problems, not necessarily understanding how to socialize appropriately and tend to not need as much social contact.  Their thought processes are often different that the majority of the population as well.  ADHD people are very social, in fact, typically too social.  They don't understand when not to be social, but learn easily how to socialize.  

Some of these symptoms can overlap and it is very possible to have both disorders concurrently.  

Norm