Asperger's vs. ADHD: What Are the Differences?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptoms of ADHD and Asperger’sCauses of ADHD and Asperger’sDiagnosing ADHD and Asperger’sTreatment for ADHD and Asperger’sPreventionSummary

Table of ContentsView All

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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

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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.

At a GlanceADHD 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 ofneurodivergenceand 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.

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 ofneurodivergenceand 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.

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 ofneurodivergenceand 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.

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 theirimpulsivityand 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.

May have fewer interests and become obsessed with particular topics

Repetitive behaviors

A person may like routine and dislike change

ADHDMay have broader interests that change more frequently or impulsivelyNo repetitive behaviorsA person may dislike routine and welcome changeMotor coordination difficulties are not present

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 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 neurotransmitterserotonin.

Causes of ADHD

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 thediagnostic criteriafor a diagnosis:

ADHD Diagnosis

ADHD is also typically diagnosed in childhood.To bediagnosed 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:

Hyperactive/impulsive:

Combined:

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

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 ADHDinclude stimulants and non-stimulants.Educational accommodationsinvolve working with teachers to help children with ADHD learn better in school.

Neurodiversity-affirming therapy can help people with ADHD and Asperger’s learn toappreciate their strengthsand cope with the challenges of living in a neurotypical-centered society.

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:

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 YouIf 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.

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 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).ADHD and Asperger’s Syndrome: Learn more about both to make good treatment decisions.Mirkovic B, Gérardin P.Asperger’s syndrome: What to consider?.Encephale. 2019;45(2):169-174. doi:10.1016/j.encep.2018.11.005Sharma A, Couture J.A review of the pathophysiology, etiology, and treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Ann Pharmacother. 2014;48(2):209-225. doi:10.1177/1060028013510699Hosseini SA, Molla M.Asperger Syndrome. In:StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; December 25, 2021.Tebartz van Elst L, Pick M, Biscaldi M, Fangmeier T, Riedel A.High-functioning autism spectrum disorder as a basic disorder in adult psychiatry and psychotherapy: psychopathological presentation, clinical relevance and therapeutic concepts.Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2013;263 Suppl 2:S189-S196. doi:10.1007/s00406-013-0459-3Barbeau EB, Meilleur AA, Zeffiro TA, Mottron L.Comparing Motor Skills in Autism Spectrum Individuals With and Without Speech Delay.Autism Res. 2015;8(6):682-693. doi:10.1002/aur.1483Muller CL, Anacker AMJ, Veenstra-VanderWeele J.The serotonin system in autism spectrum disorder: From biomarker to animal models.Neuroscience. 2016;321:24-41. doi:10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.11.010de Giambattista C, Ventura P, Trerotoli P, Margari M, Palumbi R, Margari L.Subtyping the Autism Spectrum Disorder: Comparison of Children with High Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome.J Autism Dev Disord. 2019;49(1):138-150. doi:10.1007/s10803-018-3689-4Jain R, Jain S, Montano CB.Addressing Diagnosis and Treatment Gaps in Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. 2017;19(5):17nr02153. Published 2017 Sep 7. doi:10.4088/PCC.17nr02153Sharma SR, Gonda X, Tarazi FI.Autism Spectrum Disorder: Classification, diagnosis and therapy.Pharmacol Ther. 2018;190:91-104. doi:10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.05.007Drechsler R, Brem S, Brandeis D, Grünblatt E, Berger G, Walitza S.ADHD: Current Concepts and Treatments in Children and Adolescents.Neuropediatrics. 2020;51(5):315-335. doi:10.1055/s-0040-1701658

11 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).ADHD and Asperger’s Syndrome: Learn more about both to make good treatment decisions.Mirkovic B, Gérardin P.Asperger’s syndrome: What to consider?.Encephale. 2019;45(2):169-174. doi:10.1016/j.encep.2018.11.005Sharma A, Couture J.A review of the pathophysiology, etiology, and treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Ann Pharmacother. 2014;48(2):209-225. doi:10.1177/1060028013510699Hosseini SA, Molla M.Asperger Syndrome. In:StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; December 25, 2021.Tebartz van Elst L, Pick M, Biscaldi M, Fangmeier T, Riedel A.High-functioning autism spectrum disorder as a basic disorder in adult psychiatry and psychotherapy: psychopathological presentation, clinical relevance and therapeutic concepts.Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2013;263 Suppl 2:S189-S196. doi:10.1007/s00406-013-0459-3Barbeau EB, Meilleur AA, Zeffiro TA, Mottron L.Comparing Motor Skills in Autism Spectrum Individuals With and Without Speech Delay.Autism Res. 2015;8(6):682-693. doi:10.1002/aur.1483Muller CL, Anacker AMJ, Veenstra-VanderWeele J.The serotonin system in autism spectrum disorder: From biomarker to animal models.Neuroscience. 2016;321:24-41. doi:10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.11.010de Giambattista C, Ventura P, Trerotoli P, Margari M, Palumbi R, Margari L.Subtyping the Autism Spectrum Disorder: Comparison of Children with High Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome.J Autism Dev Disord. 2019;49(1):138-150. doi:10.1007/s10803-018-3689-4Jain R, Jain S, Montano CB.Addressing Diagnosis and Treatment Gaps in Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. 2017;19(5):17nr02153. Published 2017 Sep 7. doi:10.4088/PCC.17nr02153Sharma SR, Gonda X, Tarazi FI.Autism Spectrum Disorder: Classification, diagnosis and therapy.Pharmacol Ther. 2018;190:91-104. doi:10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.05.007Drechsler R, Brem S, Brandeis D, Grünblatt E, Berger G, Walitza S.ADHD: Current Concepts and Treatments in Children and Adolescents.Neuropediatrics. 2020;51(5):315-335. doi:10.1055/s-0040-1701658

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).ADHD and Asperger’s Syndrome: Learn more about both to make good treatment decisions.Mirkovic B, Gérardin P.Asperger’s syndrome: What to consider?.Encephale. 2019;45(2):169-174. doi:10.1016/j.encep.2018.11.005Sharma A, Couture J.A review of the pathophysiology, etiology, and treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Ann Pharmacother. 2014;48(2):209-225. doi:10.1177/1060028013510699Hosseini SA, Molla M.Asperger Syndrome. In:StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; December 25, 2021.Tebartz van Elst L, Pick M, Biscaldi M, Fangmeier T, Riedel A.High-functioning autism spectrum disorder as a basic disorder in adult psychiatry and psychotherapy: psychopathological presentation, clinical relevance and therapeutic concepts.Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2013;263 Suppl 2:S189-S196. doi:10.1007/s00406-013-0459-3Barbeau EB, Meilleur AA, Zeffiro TA, Mottron L.Comparing Motor Skills in Autism Spectrum Individuals With and Without Speech Delay.Autism Res. 2015;8(6):682-693. doi:10.1002/aur.1483Muller CL, Anacker AMJ, Veenstra-VanderWeele J.The serotonin system in autism spectrum disorder: From biomarker to animal models.Neuroscience. 2016;321:24-41. doi:10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.11.010de Giambattista C, Ventura P, Trerotoli P, Margari M, Palumbi R, Margari L.Subtyping the Autism Spectrum Disorder: Comparison of Children with High Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome.J Autism Dev Disord. 2019;49(1):138-150. doi:10.1007/s10803-018-3689-4Jain R, Jain S, Montano CB.Addressing Diagnosis and Treatment Gaps in Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. 2017;19(5):17nr02153. Published 2017 Sep 7. doi:10.4088/PCC.17nr02153Sharma SR, Gonda X, Tarazi FI.Autism Spectrum Disorder: Classification, diagnosis and therapy.Pharmacol Ther. 2018;190:91-104. doi:10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.05.007Drechsler R, Brem S, Brandeis D, Grünblatt E, Berger G, Walitza S.ADHD: Current Concepts and Treatments in Children and Adolescents.Neuropediatrics. 2020;51(5):315-335. doi:10.1055/s-0040-1701658

Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).ADHD and Asperger’s Syndrome: Learn more about both to make good treatment decisions.

Mirkovic B, Gérardin P.Asperger’s syndrome: What to consider?.Encephale. 2019;45(2):169-174. doi:10.1016/j.encep.2018.11.005

Sharma A, Couture J.A review of the pathophysiology, etiology, and treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Ann Pharmacother. 2014;48(2):209-225. doi:10.1177/1060028013510699

Hosseini SA, Molla M.Asperger Syndrome. In:StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; December 25, 2021.

Tebartz van Elst L, Pick M, Biscaldi M, Fangmeier T, Riedel A.High-functioning autism spectrum disorder as a basic disorder in adult psychiatry and psychotherapy: psychopathological presentation, clinical relevance and therapeutic concepts.Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2013;263 Suppl 2:S189-S196. doi:10.1007/s00406-013-0459-3

Barbeau EB, Meilleur AA, Zeffiro TA, Mottron L.Comparing Motor Skills in Autism Spectrum Individuals With and Without Speech Delay.Autism Res. 2015;8(6):682-693. doi:10.1002/aur.1483

Muller CL, Anacker AMJ, Veenstra-VanderWeele J.The serotonin system in autism spectrum disorder: From biomarker to animal models.Neuroscience. 2016;321:24-41. doi:10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.11.010

de Giambattista C, Ventura P, Trerotoli P, Margari M, Palumbi R, Margari L.Subtyping the Autism Spectrum Disorder: Comparison of Children with High Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome.J Autism Dev Disord. 2019;49(1):138-150. doi:10.1007/s10803-018-3689-4

Jain R, Jain S, Montano CB.Addressing Diagnosis and Treatment Gaps in Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. 2017;19(5):17nr02153. Published 2017 Sep 7. doi:10.4088/PCC.17nr02153

Sharma SR, Gonda X, Tarazi FI.Autism Spectrum Disorder: Classification, diagnosis and therapy.Pharmacol Ther. 2018;190:91-104. doi:10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.05.007

Drechsler R, Brem S, Brandeis D, Grünblatt E, Berger G, Walitza S.ADHD: Current Concepts and Treatments in Children and Adolescents.Neuropediatrics. 2020;51(5):315-335. doi:10.1055/s-0040-1701658

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