ADHD Symptoms and Diagnosis Asperger's vs. ADHD: What Are the Differences? By Arlin Cuncic, MA Arlin Cuncic, MA Arlin Cuncic, MA, is the author of The Anxiety Workbook and founder of the website About Social Anxiety. She has a Master's degree in clinical psychology. Learn about our editorial process Updated on November 21, 2023 Medically reviewed Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Steven Gans, MD Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print Maskot / Getty Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Symptoms of ADHD and Asperger's Causes of ADHD and Asperger's Diagnosing ADHD and Asperger's Treatment for ADHD and Asperger's Prevention Summary Close ADHD and Asperger's are two conditions that are often confused because they have some overlap in characteristics such as social difficulties and impulsiveness. Additionally, it's common for people to have both conditions. However, there are also several key differences between the two conditions. The condition, formerly known as Asperger's syndrome (now referred to as an autism spectrum disorder), is mainly characterized by social and communication difficulties. Meanwhile, ADHD is characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity, and attention. At a Glance ADHD and Asperger's share some common features, but they are distinct. In some cases, people may have both conditions, which may complicate diagnosis and treatment. People with Asperger's tend to have narrow interests and engage in repetitive behaviors. People with ADHD tend to have broad, varied interests and struggle with boredom and routine. Both are types of neurodivergence and aren't conditions that need to be "fixed" or "cured." Instead, understanding how neurodivergent brains work and recognizing their strengths can help people understand their characteristics and thrive. Symptoms of ADHD and Asperger's The characteristics of Asperger's and ADHD can overlap, but there are also some key differences. Both conditions can cause social difficulties, but people with Asperger's typically have more significant problems in this area. They may have trouble understanding social cues and may prefer to be alone. People with ADHD, on the other hand, may be more likely to seek out social interaction but then have difficulty sustaining it due to their impulsivity and hyperactivity. Key Differences Between Asperger's vs. ADHD Below is a bullet point list of some of the characteristics of each condition and how they are similar or different. People with Asperger's often have narrow interests and may become obsessed with certain topics. People with ADHD tend to have broader interests that may change frequently or impulsively.Asperger's is characterized by repetitive behaviors, while ADHD is not.People with Asperger's may have difficulty with change and need routines, while people with ADHD may seek out change and dislike routines.People with Asperger's often have problems with motor coordination, while people with ADHD do not typically have this problem. Asperger's May have fewer interests and become obsessed with particular topics Repetitive behaviors A person may like routine and dislike change Marked by motor coordination difficulties ADHD May have broader interests that change more frequently or impulsively No repetitive behaviors A person may dislike routine and welcome change Motor coordination difficulties are not present Causes of ADHD and Asperger's Asperger's and ADHD are both neurodevelopmental disorders, which means they are caused by problems with brain development. It is not known exactly what causes these problems, but it is thought that both genetics and environment play a role. Causes of Asperger's Some research suggests that Asperger's may be linked to a problem with the wiring and connections in different networks in the brain. It is also thought that Asperger's may be linked to abnormalities with the neurotransmitter serotonin. Causes of ADHD Some research suggests that ADHD may be linked to a problem with the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. This theory is supported by the fact that people with ADHD often respond well to medications that affect dopamine and norepinephrine levels. Diagnosing ADHD and Asperger's Both ADHD and Asperger's are diagnosed based on symptoms. There is no medical or laboratory test for either condition. Instead, doctors typically use history, interviews, and behavior rating scales to make a diagnosis. It is important to note that both conditions can be diagnosed in childhood, but the characteristics may change over time. Asperger's Diagnosis Asperger's is typically diagnosed in childhood. To be diagnosed with Asperger's, a person must have significant problems with social interaction and communication and restricted, repetitive behaviors, while typically having good verbal skills. The term Asperger's was replaced with autism spectrum disorder in the fifth edition of the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (DSM-5). Below are some of the diagnostic criteria for a diagnosis: Significant problems with social interaction Deficits in non-verbal communication Repetitive behaviors or interests Insistence on sameness and inflexibility ADHD Diagnosis ADHD is also typically diagnosed in childhood. To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must have problems with hyperactivity, impulsivity, and attention. ADHD can be divided into three subtypes: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive, and combined presentation. Below are some traits associated with each type: Inattentive: Problems with paying attentionEasily distractedDifficulty following instructions Hyperactive/impulsive: Excessive activityProblems with waiting for turns or taking turnsTalking excessively Combined: Symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types. Treatment for ADHD and Asperger's It is important to properly diagnose ADHD and Asperger's because the treatments are different. There is no cure for either condition, but there are treatments that can help people function more effectively in their environments. Asperger's Treatment There is no medication to "treat" Asperger's because it is not a condition that needs to be cured or fixed. Instead, it is a neurotype characterized by differences in how a person's brain functions. Sometimes, medications or therapy may help people with Asperger's manage certain aspects of mood, anxiety, and behavior. There is no specific treatment for Asperger's, but there are treatments that can help people cope with challenges. These treatments typically involve accommodations, speech-language therapy, and occupational therapy. Medications may also be prescribed to help with specific symptoms, such as anxiety or depression. ADHD Treatment Treatments for ADHD typically involve medication, educational accommodations, and neurodiversity-affirming therapy. Medications used to treat ADHD include stimulants and non-stimulants. Educational accommodations involve working with teachers to help children with ADHD learn better in school. Neurodiversity-affirming therapy can help people with ADHD and Asperger's learn to appreciate their strengths and cope with the challenges of living in a neurotypical-centered society. Prevention There is no known way to prevent Asperger's or ADHD, given that the causes are unknown. However, early diagnosis and treatment can help minimize symptoms and improve functioning. Below are some tips for parents of children with Asperger's or ADHD: Be patient Encourage positive behavior Provide structure and routine Support social interaction Teach self-regulation skills Summary In summary, Asperger's and ADHD are both conditions that are diagnosed based on symptoms. There is no medical test for either condition. The causes of Asperger's and ADHD are unknown, but they are thought to be linked to problems with the wiring of the brain or neurotransmitters. There is no cure for either condition, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve symptoms and quality of life. What This Means For You If you think you or your child may have Asperger's or ADHD, it is important to talk to a doctor. These conditions can be difficult to manage on your own and there are treatments that can help. Early diagnosis and treatment is important for the best possible outcome. 11 Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD). 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ADHD: Current Concepts and Treatments in Children and Adolescents. Neuropediatrics. 2020;51(5):315-335. doi:10.1055/s-0040-1701658 By Arlin Cuncic, MA Arlin Cuncic, MA, is the author of The Anxiety Workbook and founder of the website About Social Anxiety. She has a Master's degree in clinical psychology. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Helpful Report an Error Other Submit