People with autism can also have ADD. Sometimes, one condition
is misdiagnosed as the other. But, the two conditions are not
related disorders. Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder.
ADD is a neurobiological disorder related to the brain chemical
dopamine.
Here is an incomplete list of symptoms that might appear in
either a child with autism or a child with ADD, but these symptoms
will not appear in every child with either autism or ADD:
- forgetfulness or short-term memory issues
- talking excessively
- social errors such as not waiting one's turn or
interrupting
- inability to focus on topics that are not primary areas of
interest
- fidgeting or stimming
- easily distracted
- considered disruptive