What do socialization deficits, executive functioning issues, and language delays all have in common? They are all common symptoms of autism. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that is often diagnosed in early childhood. However, it’s not the only disorder that shares these symptoms.
ASD isn’t always the correct diagnosis. It’s crucial for doctors to consider other mental health and behavioral disorders before assigning a label. Distinguishing Autism from Sensory Processing Disorders can be tricky. Here are five different mental health conditions that someone might mistake for autism:
1. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD is perhaps the most well-known neurodevelopmental disorder. It affects millions of children and adults worldwide. The most common symptoms of ADHD include hyperactivity, inattention, impulsivity, and trouble regulating mood. Interestingly, many people with ASD present with similar symptoms.
How can one tell the difference between ADHD and autism? Those with ADHD are more likely to seek change, while people with autism prefer routine. Adults and kids with ADHD also tend to be more social and willing to engage with others. Since executive functioning delays are common with both disorders, a professional evaluation is needed to ensure the individual receives the proper support.
2. Antisocial Personality Disorder
Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is another condition that can mimic autism. People with ASPD often show signs of impulsivity, recklessness, manipulation, and aggression. A lack of empathy and disregard for the well-being of others is also prevalent. In many cases, a history of trauma or abuse is present. Without the proper treatments or interventions, individuals with ASPD are more likely to end up incarcerated.
Both ASPD and ASD have overlapping symptoms, including difficulty expressing themselves in social situations. However, those with antisocial personality disorder often feel the world revolves around them and will act with ill intent to get their way.
3. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by excessive rituals and actions, such as compulsive hand washing, counting, or hoarding. People diagnosed with OCD cannot go about their daily lives without completing these rituals on a set schedule. The disorder can lead to social withdrawal, depression, or anxiety.
Like autism, these symptoms focus on repetition and routine. However, the compulsive behaviors of OCD are often distressing to the individual. On the other hand, those with autism often view these repetitive behaviors as positive. For instance, individuals with ASD might use stimming and routine as a way to self-regulate.
4. Learning Disorders
Millions of children worldwide struggle with learning disabilities. Some of the most common include dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. A learning disability might affect a person’s ability to read, write, or understand numbers. They might receive poor grades, act out in class, or experience social delays. Language delays are also common.
Although often confused for one, autism is not a learning disability. Instead, ASD typically affects a person’s ability to communicate and socialize. Individuals might hyper-focus on a single topic of interest, refusing to learn about other subjects. Some people with ASD become savants in a particular field. However, it’s not uncommon for people with autism to also be diagnosed with a learning disability.
5. Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a rare but serious brain disorder. Symptoms typically appear in early adulthood. Those with schizophrenia might experience hallucinations, delusions, erratic behaviors, or disorganized speech. Both schizophrenia and autism affect a person’s executive functioning skills and sensory processing abilities. However, individuals with ASD do not experience the same mental disturbances as those with schizophrenia.
Seeking the Correct Diagnosis
Is it ASD or something else? Mental health disorders are not uncommon. Many of these disorders share overlapping symptoms with autism. Only a professional can properly evaluate an individual to ensure they receive the correct diagnosis and proper treatment.
