ADHD and Autism

"I heard that you can't have autism, or Asperger's, and ADHD at the same time, is that true?" I hear this a lot. Parents go to their MD and their child, whom might have mild or high functioning autism or Asperger's Disorder is also diagnosed with ADHD. But someone "in the know" has told them this can't be true! They then worry that their medical doctor or psychologist is confused, or doesn't know what he or she is doing! Here is the simple answer: The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association) does say that ASD (autism) rules out ADHD. But honestly, we don't always follow every rule stated in the DSM IV. Some of these rules, years after publication, don't make the same sense they once did. That's why there is a new version of the DSM coming out in the next year or so. The rules, or diagnostic criteria, for Autism, Aspergers (which will disappear) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) are all changing to meet the real world facts we have been confronted with since the last publication of the DSM. Another reason an MD may diagnose ADHD and Autism is that he or she needs to rationalize the prescription for the ADHD medication. ADHD medications are closely monitored, and giving them to individuals without a diagnosis of ADHD is simply problematic. Do children, adolescents and adults with ASD also have ADHD? I think so. Sometimes it's obvious. But at other times what looks like inattention, focus issues and hyperactivity is nothing more than the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. One needs to look at the severity of the autism disorder and observe the situation to make a real determination. And sometimes ADHD medications are prescribed to deal with those symptoms. Still worried about this issue? Talk it over with your medical doctor or psychologist. I often recommend that patients write out their concerns and questions before they come in to see me. That way it's easier to stay on track and not leave your appointment with the same concerns and anxiety you went there with.