Raise your hand if you have ever taken an online quiz, watched a video, or read an article and were left with the thought “omg I think I have ADHD” or “omg I think I may be on the spectrum”. With so much access to knowledge online these days, there are so many people who are finding themselves wrapped up in a self-diagnosis that they may or may not actually have. It is important that as a society we have a better understanding of these conditions and how they are diagnosed. This blog will explain why not everyone has ADHD or autism, by exploring the complexity of these conditions, misconceptions, and the importance of accurate diagnosis.
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is defined by the DSM-V-TR (the diagnostic manual for psychological disorders) as “a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.” Despite what social media may say, there are only 3 different types of ADHD: inattentive type, hyperactivity/impulsive type, or combined inattentive and hyperactivity. In order to be diagnosed with one of the 3 types of ADHD, one has to have experienced 6/9 of the inattentive symptoms and/or 6/9 of the hyperactive symptoms.
ADHD Inattentive Symptoms | ADHD Hyperactive symptoms |
Often fails to give close attention to details | Fidgets with hands or feet |
Often has difficulty sustaining attention | Has difficulty remaining seated when needed |
Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly | Runs or climbs excessively |
Often does not follow through on instructions and/or fails to finish schoolwork | Has difficulty doing things quietly |
Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities | Is “on the go” or acts as if “driven by a motor’ |
Often avoids, dislikes or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort | Talks excessively |
Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities | Blurts out answers to questions before they have been completed |
Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli | Has difficulty awaiting turn in group activities |
Is often forgetful in daily activities | Interrupts or intrudes on other people’s activities |
What is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder is defined by the DSM-V-TR as a neurodevelopmental disorder that has (a) “persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts” and (b) “restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities”. Autism exists on a spectrum from requiring some support, requiring substantial support, and requiring very substantial support.
Persistent deficits in social communication and social interactions can manifest in several different ways. The DSM-V-TR states that there can be deficits in social-emotional reciprocity (back and forth conversations or ability to respond to social situations), nonverbal communicative behaviors (eye contact and facial expressions), and in developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships (sharing, imaginative play, or making friends).
Restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviors, interests, or activities can also manifest in many different ways. There can be repetitive movements (flapping), use of objects (lining up toys), or speech (repeating the same words over and over again). There can also be an insistence on sameness or inflexibility in routines as well as highly fixed interests on objects or topics. Finally, sensitivity to sensory input can be present.
Misconceptions About ADHD and Autism
Misconceptions about ADHD and autism are prevalent in society, often leading to misunderstanding and stigmatization of those affected. It is common to see ADHD displayed as simply a lack of discipline or focus, when in reality, it is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that involves differences in brain structure and function. Similarly, autism is frequently mischaracterized as a condition that only affects communication, when in fact, it encompasses a broad spectrum of traits. These oversimplified views not only perpetuate harmful stereotypes but also contribute to a lack of awareness and support for individuals with these conditions, hindering their ability to thrive in society.
In an effort to bring attention to these diagnoses, many movies and TV shows have attempted to portray characters with these disorders. Unfortunately in doing so, they have oversimplified or presented only very stereotypical versions of the disorders. For example, many people in the media who have ADHD are very hyperactive or those with Autism are portrayed as non-verbal and easily overstimulated. While these are characteristics of these disorders, they are not always seen in everyone who is diagnosed with ADHD or Autism. By depicting ADHD and autism in these lights, it has the potential to downplay all of the other aspects of the disorders that are needed in order for one to receive a diagnosis.
Self-diagnosis and internet quizzes also heavily influence the misconceptions about ADHD and autism. With so much access to mental health content on the internet, people are all the time trying to self-diagnose themselves on a daily basis. It is very easy to google one or two symptoms you have had and be presented with a long list of possible disorders that could explain those symptoms. Unfortunately, by doing this, people are starting to believe that they have significant mental health problems that they do not actually meet the criteria before.
Another way many people are self-diagnosing ADHD or Autism is through looking at social media posts or watching videos posted by “influencers” or random people who are attempting to bring awareness to the disorders. In doing so, they may at times present misinformation that others who do not know better, take as absolute truths. There are posts that present ADHD as solely a lack of discipline and others that suggest autism is a result of poor parenting. Both of which are untrue. These posts often lack scientific backing, focusing instead on anecdotal experiences or misleading advice. The oversaturation of such content can create confusion, making it difficult for people to distinguish between fact and fiction.
Online quizzes designed to tell someone if they have ADHD or autism also contribute to the misconceptions about the disorders. They rely on vague or overly simplified questions that do not account for the complexity of these conditions. These quizzes also lack the clinical rigor required to assess the full range of symptoms, behaviors, and experiences associated with ADHD and autism. As a result, they can lead people to falsely believe they have ADHD or autism, or conversely, dismiss genuine symptoms that may indicate a need for further evaluation. Because these quizzes are not administered by healthcare professionals, they fail to consider individual differences and nuance, which can be crucial for an accurate dignosis.
The Importance of Professional Diagnosis
In the mental health field, there are psychologists who all they do is assess and diagnose people with mental health disorders. They have spent their training and career becoming experts in the criteria for each diagnosis and how to assess for it. For both ADHD and autism, a formal comprehensive assessment is needed in order to receive a formal diagnosis for either. A comprehensive assessment helps psychologists to be able to differentiate ADHD and autism from other conditions and ensure proper treatment and support.
The diagnostic process for both ADHD and autism is very similar. For both, you will meet with a psychologist for a clinical interview. During this interview, you will be asked a variety of questions to determine what possible diagnoses could be applicable to you. Many times, the psychologist will ask directly if you have experienced specific symptoms in order to determine if you need further testing for ADHD or Autism.
After the clinical interview, if the psychologist determines further assessment/testing is needed, testing will be completed. This can look like completing questionnaires and/or completing tasks presented by an examiner. After these questionnaires and assessments are completed, the psychologist takes time to score and interpret the results. These assessments have the ability to help rule in and rule out different diagnoses, even ones you may not have thought you could have.
Having a professional diagnostic assessment completed helps prevent misdiagnosis and/or misunderstanding of ADHD and autism. One of the key aspects of either of these diagnoses that is being assessed for during the diagnostic process is how much the behaviors and symptoms you exhibit affect your daily functioning. People who meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD or autism have symptoms that negatively impact their daily functioning. This distinction is very important due to the fact that most of the symptoms of both ADHD and autism can be experienced on a regular basis by people who do not meet the criteria for a full diagnosis. Getting a professional to diagnose you can help prohibit further misappropriation of the diagnoses.
Bringing attention and awareness to ADHD and autism is important due to the number of people who are diagnosed with these disorders. It is equally important to approach diagnosing these disorders with a sense of accuracy and understanding. Not everyone who exhibits certain behaviors or struggles in specific areas necessarily has ADHD and autism. These conditions are complex, and diagnosing them requires a thorough evaluation by a qualified professional. If you or someone you love thinks they may have ADHD or autism, it is encouraged that you reach out to a professional for more information today.
