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Inattention, Overactivity, and Impulsiveness in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Written in April 2011. Descriptions of people, programs and availability below describe that time.
Many children with autism may show restlessness, poor attention span, and overactivity. They are often unable to concentrate or stay focused on tasks or activities. They find it difficult to sit still and pay attention and can be overactive/hyperactive or impulsive.
Many of these symptoms are shared with children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The main features of ADHD are:
Impulsivity
- The child often blurts out answers even before the question has been finished.
- Problems with turn-taking
- Frequently interrupts conversations
- Intrudes in conversations or games
- Difficulty controlling emotions and may have angry outbursts
Inattention
- Easily distracted and appears not to listen to whoever is talking to them
- Difficulty remembering and following instructions
Hyperactivity
- Fidgets a lot and finds it hard to sit still
- Always moving and on the go
ADHD can coexist in a child with a diagnosis of autism. Health professionals often refer to a coexisting condition as “comorbid.” Although the two conditions are treated as separate conditions, there is considerable overlap between them. According to the National Autistic Society (NAS), researchers at the Institute of Psychiatry were, when this was written in 2011, studying the differences between autism and ADHD.
However, there are other reasons that may cause inattention, overactivity, and impulsiveness. Food intolerance and allergies are linked to hyperactivity, though they are not a direct cause. Sugar and caffeine are stimulants that can also affect a child’s behavior. It is always worthwhile to see a doctor who specializes in food intolerances or allergies. They may advise removing certain foods, beverages, or stimulants in the child’s diet if these are suspected to trigger an allergic response or intolerance and are making things harder.
Sometimes, environmental factors can cause sensitivity to a child diagnosed with autism, such as light and sounds that can be very distracting and uncomfortable. These can cause the child to become temporarily hyperactive or disruptive. These incidents can be logged and observed to see if there is a pattern as to when the child becomes overstimulated.
Raising a child who has autism and features of ADHD can be exhausting; sleep problems are common and may or may not be related. Some children are also prescribed medication for impulsivity and hyperactivity. Whether that is right for your child is a conversation for your child’s doctor. Nothing here is medical advice.
References:
National Autistic Society. Autism.org: The differences between autism and ADHD, retrieved March 22, 2011, from http://www.autism.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer/take-part-in-surveys-and-research/research
National Institute of Mental Health. Nimh.nih.gov: Autism Spectrum Disorders (Pervasive Developmental Disorders), Retrieved March 22, 2011, from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/autism/complete-index.shtml#pub3
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