Expert: Trey McGowan - 8/31/2007

Question
I have been told that autism and add/adhd are on the same spectrum by my son's pediatrician. I know they have similar symptoms, but are they on the same spectrum?

Answer
Hello there, James!

Unless there have been some developments in diagnosis (of which there might be; I'm not a physician and there are new discoveries being made all the time), at this present time, ADHD is not considered in the spectrum of Autistic Spectrum Disorders (or ASDs). It is, however, classed as a Developmental Disorder.

Now, as you say, they do have very similar symptoms. In addition, ADHD is commonly diagnosed in children with Asperger's and Autism, either as a comorbid condition (or occurring along with the ASD; also known as 'Dual Diagnosis' to help avoid the unpleasant word associations) or misdiagnosis. In addition, there is study on the genetics that suggest a possible link. Therefore, the link is an understandable one. However, at this time, ADHD is not classified as one of the Autistic Spectrum, and is instead separate from it through both severity and general behavioral signs.

http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/aalink.html
A short, easily-digested article that brings up the possibility of the genetic link, for if you are interested.

Hopefully that answered the question,

Trey