Key notes: For parents, autism, ADHD, symptoms, NHS advice, contacting for assessments
Read time: 3-4 minutes
Sometimes it can seem like your child isn’t reacting to situations in the way you would assume them to. If this is the case, they might be presenting autism or ADHD, so it is important to be able to identify the symptoms to allow an early diagnosis to be received. In this blog the symptoms for both these neurological disorders are listed and what can be done if you suspect your child might have either condition.
Autism
Autism is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others and how they communicate, learn and behave. All symptoms can be found on the NHS website (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/signs/children/), but the main ones are as follows:
In children, autism is often seen when the child:
In teenagers, there is often a difficulty with social interactions and communication meaning:
Most people with autism have other related characteristics such as:
If these symptoms persist, a paediatrician should be consulted to consider an autism diagnosis. This will involve a multidisciplinary team usually containing a paediatrician, psychologist, speech pathologist, occupational therapist and (sometimes) a child psychiatrist who will perform a variety of tests and assessments to determine if the child has autism.
ADHD
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a chronic brain condition that makes it difficult for children to control their behaviour. All symptoms can be found on the NHS website (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/symptoms/) but not all children with ADHD have all the symptoms. They tend to be classified as inattentive only (ADD), hyperactive/impulsive or combined inattentive/hyperactive/impulsive.
ADD symptoms include:
Hyperactive symptoms revolve around being in constant motion:
Impulsivity symptoms include:
If these symptoms are regular for more than 6 months, occur in at least 2 different settings, and developed before the age of 12, a paediatrician should be consulted to consider an ADHD test.
Comorbidity and dealing with symptoms
50-70% of individuals with autism also present comorbid ADHD; this is known as AuDHD. Due to this, it is important to be able to identify the comorbid symptoms if you believe your child might possess both. While diagnoses are usually done one at a time, you can request a second assessment if you believe comorbidity is likely.
The comorbid symptoms include:
Managing symptoms as a family can be difficult, so it can be helpful getting advice from the doctor who might be able to prescribe medication or refer you to talking therapy and/or coaching. Regular exercise and mindfulness can help reduce stress associated with the symptoms. It is also often beneficial to set consistent daily routines and plan events with visual timetables. There are plenty of resources available to read for further information (listed at the end), these include books you can read with your child and more clinical-oriented resources. Providing short breaks between activities and using sensory strategies such as wobble cushions can help deal with overwhelming sensations, and stimulation should be kept at a low level, for example allowing your child to only play with one friend at a time. All support should be taken step-by-step, focused on the child’s needs.
Resources
NHS autism symptoms: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/signs/children/
Autism symptoms: https://www.cdc.gov/autism/signs-symptoms/index.html
NHS ADHD symptoms: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/symptoms/
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The Hidden Curriculum: Practical Solution for Understanding Unstated Rules
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