ADHD and Asperger’s: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Key Takeaways

• ADHD is marked by hyperactivity, impulsivity, and attention problems.
• Asperger’s involves social interaction and communication difficulties, along with repetitive behaviors.
• Understanding how neurodivergent brains work and recognizing their strengths can help people understand their characteristics and thrive.

ADHD and Asperger’s are two conditions that are often confused because they have some overlap in characteristics such as social difficulties and impulsiveness. Additionally, it’s common for people to have both conditions. However, there are also several key differences between the two conditions.

The condition, formerly known as Asperger’s syndrome (now referred to as an autism spectrum disorder), is mainly characterized by social and communication difficulties. Meanwhile, ADHD is characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity, and attention.

Symptoms of ADHD and Asperger’s

The characteristics of Asperger’s and ADHD can overlap, but there are also some key differences. Both conditions can cause social difficulties, but people with Asperger’s typically have more significant problems in this area. They may have trouble understanding social cues and may prefer to be alone.

People with ADHD, on the other hand, may be more likely to seek out social interaction but then have difficulty sustaining it due to their impulsivity and hyperactivity.

Key Differences Between Asperger’s vs. ADHD

Below is a bullet point list of some of the characteristics of each condition and how they are similar or different.

• People with Asperger’s often have narrow interests and may become obsessed with certain topics. People with ADHD tend to have broader interests that may change frequently or impulsively.
• Asperger’s is characterized by repetitive behaviors, while ADHD is not.
• People with Asperger’s may have difficulty with change and need routines, while people with ADHD may seek out change and dislike routines.
• People with Asperger’s often have problems with motor coordination, while people with ADHD do not typically have this problem.

Asperger’s

• May have fewer interests and become obsessed with particular topics

• Repetitive behaviors

• A person may like routine and dislike change

• Marked by motor coordination difficulties

ADHD

• May have broader interests that change more frequently or impulsively

• No repetitive behaviors

• A person may dislike routine and welcome change

• Motor coordination difficulties are not present

Causes of ADHD and Asperger’s

Asperger’s and ADHD are both neurodevelopmental disorders, which means they are caused by problems with brain development. It is not known exactly what causes these problems, but it is thought that both genetics and environment play a role.

Causes of Asperger’s

Some research suggests that Asperger’s may be linked to a problem with the wiring and connections in different networks in the brain.

It is also thought that Asperger’s may be linked to abnormalities with the neurotransmitter serotonin.

Causes of ADHD

Some research suggests that ADHD may be linked to a problem with the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. This theory is supported by the fact that people with ADHD often respond well to medications that affect dopamine and norepinephrine levels.

Diagnosing ADHD and Asperger’s

Both ADHD and Asperger’s are diagnosed based on symptoms. There is no medical or laboratory test for either condition. Instead, doctors typically use history, interviews, and behavior rating scales to make a diagnosis.

It is important to note that both conditions can be diagnosed in childhood, but the characteristics may change over time.

Asperger’s Diagnosis

Asperger’s is typically diagnosed in childhood. To be diagnosed with Asperger’s, a person must have significant problems with social interaction and communication and restricted, repetitive behaviors, while typically having good verbal skills.

The term Asperger’s was replaced with autism spectrum disorder in the fifth edition of the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” (DSM-5). Below are some of the diagnostic criteria for a diagnosis:

• Significant problems with social interaction
• Deficits in non-verbal communication
• Repetitive behaviors or interests
• Insistence on sameness and inflexibility

ADHD Diagnosis

ADHD is also typically diagnosed in childhood. To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must have problems with hyperactivity, impulsivity, and attention.

ADHD can be divided into three subtypes: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive, and combined presentation.

Below are some traits associated with each type:

Inattentive:

• Problems with paying attention
• Easily distracted
• Difficulty following instructions

Hyperactive/impulsive:

• Excessive activity
• Problems with waiting for turns or taking turns
• Talking excessively

Combined:

• Symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types.

Treatment for ADHD and Asperger’s

It is important to properly diagnose ADHD and Asperger’s because the treatments are different. There is no cure for either condition, but there are treatments that can help people function more effectively in their environments.

Asperger’s Treatment

There is no medication to “treat” Asperger’s because it is not a condition that needs to be cured or fixed. Instead, it is a neurotype characterized by differences in how a person’s brain functions.

Sometimes, medications or therapy may help people with Asperger’s manage certain aspects of mood, anxiety, and behavior.

There is no specific treatment for Asperger’s, but there are treatments that can help people cope with challenges. These treatments typically involve accommodations, speech-language therapy, and occupational therapy.

Medications may also be prescribed to help with specific symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.

ADHD Treatment

Treatments for ADHD typically involve medication, educational accommodations, and neurodiversity-affirming therapy.

Medications used to treat ADHD include stimulants and non-stimulants. Educational accommodations involve working with teachers to help children with ADHD learn better in school.

Neurodiversity-affirming therapy can help people with ADHD and Asperger’s learn to appreciate their strengths and cope with the challenges of living in a neurotypical-centered society.

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent Asperger’s or ADHD, given that the causes are unknown. However, early diagnosis and treatment can help minimize symptoms and improve functioning.

Below are some tips for parents of children with Asperger’s or ADHD:

What This Means For You

If you think you or your child may have Asperger’s or ADHD, it is important to talk to a doctor. These conditions can be difficult to manage on your own and there are treatments that can help. Early diagnosis and treatment is important for the best possible outcome.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

1. Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD). ADHD and Asperger’s Syndrome: Learn more about both to make good treatment decisions.

2. Mirkovic B, Gérardin P. Asperger’s syndrome: What to consider?. Encephale. 2019;45(2):169-174. doi:10.1016/j.encep.2018.11.005

3. Sharma A, Couture J. A review of the pathophysiology, etiology, and treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Ann Pharmacother. 2014;48(2):209-225. doi:10.1177/1060028013510699

4. Hosseini SA, Molla M. Asperger Syndrome. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; December 25, 2021.

5. Tebartz van Elst L, Pick M, Biscaldi M, Fangmeier T, Riedel A. High-functioning autism spectrum disorder as a basic disorder in adult psychiatry and psychotherapy: psychopathological presentation, clinical relevance and therapeutic concepts. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2013;263 Suppl 2:S189-S196. doi:10.1007/s00406-013-0459-3

6. Barbeau EB, Meilleur AA, Zeffiro TA, Mottron L. Comparing Motor Skills in Autism Spectrum Individuals With and Without Speech Delay. Autism Res. 2015;8(6):682-693. doi:10.1002/aur.1483

7. Muller CL, Anacker AMJ, Veenstra-VanderWeele J. The serotonin system in autism spectrum disorder: From biomarker to animal models. Neuroscience. 2016;321:24-41. doi:10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.11.010

8. de Giambattista C, Ventura P, Trerotoli P, Margari M, Palumbi R, Margari L. Subtyping the Autism Spectrum Disorder: Comparison of Children with High Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome. J Autism Dev Disord. 2019;49(1):138-150. doi:10.1007/s10803-018-3689-4

9. Jain R, Jain S, Montano CB. Addressing Diagnosis and Treatment Gaps in Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. 2017;19(5):17nr02153. Published 2017 Sep 7. doi:10.4088/PCC.17nr02153

10. Sharma SR, Gonda X, Tarazi FI. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Classification, diagnosis and therapy. Pharmacol Ther. 2018;190:91-104. doi:10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.05.007

11. Drechsler R, Brem S, Brandeis D, Grünblatt E, Berger G, Walitza S. ADHD: Current Concepts and Treatments in Children and Adolescents. Neuropediatrics. 2020;51(5):315-335. doi:10.1055/s-0040-1701658

By Arlin Cuncic, MA

Arlin Cuncic, MA, is the author of The Anxiety Workbook and founder of the website About Social Anxiety. She has a Master’s degree in clinical psychology.

Thanks for your feedback!

What is your feedback?

Helpful

Report an Error

Other