Diagnostic Challenges: Asperger's vs. ADHD

Plain-language summary

Understanding the differences between what was once known as Asperger's Syndrome and ADHD can be tricky because recent changes in how we diagnose conditions mean Asperger's is now part of the broader Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Research suggests that while there are distinct characteristics, there can also be overlapping traits, making a clear distinction challenging in some cases.

Key findings

• Asperger's Syndrome is no longer a standalone diagnosis and is now included under the umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in diagnostic manuals like the DSM-5 and ICD-11.
• The reclassification of Asperger's into ASD has sparked discussions about diagnostic accuracy and its impact on individuals' identities.
• Some research highlights that ADHD and autism can have overlapping traits, which can complicate differential diagnosis.
• Early understanding and support for children with ASD, including those who would have previously been diagnosed with Asperger's, are crucial for their development and social integration.

Studies cited (4)

1. ADHD and autism: differential diagnosis or overlapping traits? A selective review — Taurines R, Schwenck C, Westerwald E (2012, Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders, review)

   DOI: 10.1007/s12402-012-0086-2

2. Plasma and red blood cell n3 fatty acids correlate positively with the WISC-R verbal and full-scale intelligence quotients and inversely with Conner's parent-rated ADHD index t-scores in children with high functioning autism and Asperger's syndrome. — Beata Joanna Kozielec - Oracka, Y. Min, A. Bhullar (2022, Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids, observational)

   Findings of the fatty acid status of people with autism spectrum disorders have been incongruent perhaps because of the diversity of the condition. A cross-sectional design study was used to  investigated fatty acid levels and relationships between fatty acids, and cognition and behaviour in a homogenous group of children with autism spectrum disorder. Children with Asperger's syndrome (AS) /high functioning autism (n = 44) and healthy siblings (n = 17) were recruited from the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Centre for Children with Autism, Warsaw, Poland. In the AS group, plasma phosphatidylcholin

3. The investigation and differential diagnosis of Asperger syndrome in adults — Lehnhardt FG, Gawronski A, Pfeiffer K (2013, Deutsches Arzteblatt international, other)

   DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2013.0755 PMCID: PMC3849991

4. Use of Gilliam Asperger's disorder scale in differentiating high and low functioning autism and ADHD — Mayes SD, Calhoun SL, Murray MJ (2011, Psychological reports, other)

   DOI: 10.2466/04.10.15.PR0.108.1.3-13