More Than One Diagnosis ?
Strategies for Success
EDUCATION
Here are a few similarities between ADHD and ASD :
• Difficulties with attention
• Difficulties communicating with peers
• Impulsivity
• Various degrees of restlessness or hyperactivity
• More common in boys than in girls
• Present , at least partially , at preschool age
• Have a known genetic pre-disposition
• Cause significant behavioral , academic , emotional , and adaptive problems in school , at home , and elsewhere
As far as what ’ s different , one study says , “ ADHD is defined by impaired functioning in the areas of attention , hyperactivity , and impulsivity , whereas ASD is characterized by core social dysfunction and restrictive-repetitive behaviors .” These ASD traits include behaviors such as :
• Unresponsiveness to common stimuli
• Intense focus and concentration on a single item
• Repetitive movement
• Avoiding eye contact
• Withdrawn behaviors
More Than One Diagnosis ?
Available research on the comorbidity of ASD and ADHD is still scarce because prior diagnostic standards made the diagnosis of one an exclusion for the other . However , the Fifth Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ( DSM-5 ), published in 2013 , included criteria that allowed clinicians to diagnose an individual with both disorders at the same time .
With the ability to better understand the impact of ASD and ADHD as comorbid conditions , more accurate diagnoses , and more effective treatment options may be available . For students with these conditions , such insight gives educational professionals such as school counselors a better understanding of what strategies they can use to help these children and their parents to succeed .
Strategies for Success
Partnering with school counselors is an important way for parents to help their children with these comorbid conditions succeed . A common approach that counselors use for helping kids with ADHD is through the use of evidence-based interventions ( EBIs ), which include behavioral techniques that are effective for children with ASD , too . Specifically , Dr . Chacko says school counselors can implement strategies that address organizational skills and the transition across settings :
“ It is important that treatment should focus on outcomes and processes , not diagnosis . A child with ADHD and / or ASD can benefit from EBIs that focus on the outcomes that are problematic and focus on tailoring the EBIs to meet the unique needs of these children .”
Additional strategies parents can use at home to help their children dealing with this dual diagnosis include things like :
• Providing positive communication and reinforcement
• Creating and maintaining as much structure in their day-to-day lives as possible
• Posting lists , rules , and schedules to help with organization
• Encouraging physical exercise as a release
• Learning more about available behavior parent training programs
Experts note that “ whereas both ADHD and ASD include behaviorally oriented parental intervention , the role of the family is conceptualized similarly ; for ADHD and ASD ‘ parent training ’ often involves teaching parents to manage the behaviors of their children ; in addition , ASD ‘ parent education ’ also places emphasis on individualized treatments that provide parents with tools to promote their child ’ s ( social ) skill development .”
Although the presence of comorbid conditions presents students — and their parents — with additional challenges , the good news is that there ’ s help available . By accessing expert resources , like school counselors , parents can learn how to use effective strategies to help their children succeed .
Alexis Anderson is a digital PR coordinator covering K-12 education at 2U , Inc . Alexis supports outreach for their school counseling , teaching , mental health , and occupational therapy programs .
Autism Parenting Magazine | Issue 72 | 11