It’s one thing to learn that your child has been diagnosed with Aspergers. And it’s one thing to live with Asperger’s Syndrome as an adult. But dealing with both ADHD and Aspergers can be a challenge.

Attention Deficit Disorder is a common co-morbid condition that can go with Aspergers.

It can be easy to miss this condition because we are so focused on the singular diagnosis of autism spectrum or Aspergers.

Attention Deficit Disorder Definition

Before you automatically assume that your child has attention deficit disorder, keep the following guidelines in mind:

a) At least six of these symptoms should be present

b) Some of these symptoms causing the impairment were present before age 7

c) Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g., at school, (or work) and at home)

d) These symptoms must be causing clinically significant impairment in either social, academic, or occupational functioning. In other words, these symptoms are more frequent, intense, and severe than what you would meet in the general population (in the average boy or girl, man or woman).

c) According to many mental health specialists, there ADD and a pervasive developmental disorder like autism/Aspergers cannot co-exist. However, many mental health professionals believe they can.

I don’t have time to get into that debate, but here are a good articles to read if you’d like to find out more:

Asperger Syndrome and Attention Deficit Disorder

Aspergers and ADD

In any case, the overlap is such that it’s important to recognize the similarities in symptoms and get help for minimizing the impact of those symptoms on one’s day to day life.

ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) signs and symptoms to watch for:

This list of symptoms is from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th. Edition.

Inattention:

• Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.
• Has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities.
• Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
• Does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).
• Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities.
• Avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework).
• Loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).
• Easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.
• Forgetful in daily activities.

Hyperactivity

• Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.
• Leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected.
• Runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness).
• Has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly.
• Appears “on the go" or acts as if “driven by a motor."
• Talks excessively.

Impulsivity

• Blurts out the answers before the questions have been completed.
• Has difficulty awaiting turn.
• Interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).

Solutions For Coping With Attention Deficit Disorder

Take An ADD Online Test

Don’t be misled by the term “test.” There is no one conclusive test for diagnosing attention deficit disorder. However, the following online “quizzes” are on way to find out whether it would be a good idea to seek out a professional specializing in diagnosing ADD.