Understanding Autism: How It Compares to Other Conditions
At first glance, autism can appear similar to several other conditions. This can lead to misdiagnosis or misunderstanding, both by professionals and individuals themselves. In this newsletter, we explore how autism overlaps with and differs from five commonly confused or co-occurring traits and conditions:
Autism vs. ADHD
Overlap:
- Both are neurodevelopmental conditions.
- Challenges with executive functioning (e.g., planning, emotional regulation, working memory).
- Sensory sensitivities and social differences are common in both.
- Often co-occur: many autistic people also have ADHD.
Differences:
- ADHD is more about impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity (mental or physical).
- Autism is more about social communication differences, sensory processing, and focused interests.
- Autistic individuals may prefer routines and predictability; ADHD individuals often seek novelty and stimulation.
Autism vs. Social Anxiety
Overlap:
- Avoidance of social situations.
- Anxiety during interactions.
- Difficulty with eye contact or small talk.
Differences:
- Social anxiety stems from fear of negative judgment.
- Autism involves a different way of processing and engaging socially, not necessarily fear-driven.
- An autistic person might not desire certain social norms (e.g., eye contact), while someone with social anxiety often wants to engage but feels unable.
Autism vs. Personality Disorders (e.g., BPD)
Overlap:
- Intense emotions and interpersonal difficulties.
- History of masking, camouflaging, or identity confusion.
- Misinterpretations by professionals are common, especially in autistic women.
Differences:
- Personality disorders typically emerge from early trauma and involve patterns in emotional regulation and self-image.
- Autism is present from early childhood and is neurodevelopmental, not trauma-based.
- Autistic meltdowns/shutdowns are neurological, not manipulative or attention-seeking.
Autism vs. Giftedness
Overlap:
- Intense focus or obsession with specific interests.
- Advanced vocabulary or early academic skills.
- Sensory sensitivities.
Differences:
- Giftedness refers to cognitive ability (IQ), while autism affects how one experiences and interacts with the world.
- Gifted children may be socially adept, whereas autistic children may struggle with unspoken social rules.
- Autistic traits may be overlooked or masked in gifted individuals (“twice exceptional” or 2e).
Autism vs. Neurotypical Traits
Overlap:
- Everyone has quirks, preferences, and sensitivities.
- Occasional social awkwardness or anxiety is part of being human.
Differences:
- Autism involves persistent, lifelong differences in communication, sensory processing, and interaction.
- It’s not about having some traits, it’s about how those traits impact functioning across environments.
- Neurotypical individuals can “bounce back” from sensory or social overwhelm more easily.
Why It Matters
Misunderstandings can delay diagnosis, increase self-doubt, and lead to inappropriate support. Understanding the nuanced differences and overlaps can lead to more accurate self-awareness, advocacy, and care.
Autism is not better or worse than any of these, it’s simply a different neurotype. Accurate understanding leads to empowerment.
Email: hello@spectrumcentre.co.za
By: Athena Faye, Clinical Psychologist (South Africa)
