The norwegian forum seem to think that ADD and AS is almost the same. I wonder if it is completily different elsewhere as I've never seen similar discussions on English-speaking boards.
What do you think?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ADHD_predom...nattentive
ADHD - Predominantly Inattentive symptoms:
Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.
Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.
Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
Often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).
Often has trouble organizing activities.
Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn't want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).
Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).
Is often easily distracted.
Is often forgetful in daily activities.
That actually describes me pretty well.
Other things interesting from the article:
Some experts, such as Dr. Russell Barkley,[2] argue that ADHD-I is so different from "traditional" ADHD that it should be regarded as a distinct disorder. Barkley cites different symptoms among those with ADHD-I -- particularly the almost complete lack of conduct disorders and high-risk, thrill-seeking behavior -- and markedly different responses to stimulant medication.
Empathy isn't the only thing that may be different in aspies, and many aspies say they have troubles with getting homework done aswell, not sure how much it is then related to attention instead of procrastination that may be because of executive dysfunction or similar issues.
Maybe attention isn't the only thing that may be different with people with ADD? I don't know much about ADD.
I have a lot of friends who are diagnosed with ADD or ADHD. For the most part, I consider it to be a sort of "cousin condition" to autism. There are certainly a lot of similarities and I think that I actually get along best with ADD/ADHD people- better than I do with NTs, quirky NTs, or aspies. As far as I am concerned, the biggest difference is NOT "empathy"- it's social skils. The ADDers I know are all socially awkward, but only the same way a very shy NT person would be, whereas the aspies I know have significant problems in socializing, far above and beyond what the ADDers have.
Other than that, they seem very similar. The ADDers I know have intense, focused interests, like aspies, are a little clumsy, very forgettful, etc. These are all things they have in common at some level with most aspies.
I don't think ADD/ADHD is on the autism spectrum, but I do think it is a VERY closely related condition, and definitely a neurotype in it's own right..
Why has the word neurodiversity become neurotype?
Have I missed something?
Why has the word neurodiversity become neurotype?
Have I missed something?
No, you haven't missed anything. They are not the same word. They mean two different things.
<b>Neurotype</b>: The "type" or catagory of functioning a brain displays. Essentially, the idea is that different brains are built differently. So, an NT brain is a different "type" of brain than an autistic brain. Hence, the word "neurotype".
<b>Neurodiversity</b>: The concept of a diverse range of neurotypes. This is the idea that all neurotypes, NT, autistic, and others, are acceptable and normal parts of the range of human biodiversity.
<b>Neurotypical</b>: The kind of neurotype that is considered to be "normal" or "typical" of human beings, the kind which medical professionals claim is the "correctly functioning" brain. It's a bit of a misnomer because the true Neurotypicals are probably in the minority, making them no longer truly "typical".
<b>Neurodivergent</b>: Any neurotype that is NOT NT. This is sometimes used to mean "autistic", but that is an incorrect usage. It really just means "Neurologically different" and it's a catagory that includes all neurotypes other than NT.
Does that help?
#$%@#! I always forget this forum doesn't use html. Sorry for the messed-up post. Let me try again:
No, you haven't missed anything. They are not the same word. They mean two different things.
Neurotype: The "type" or catagory of functioning a brain displays. Essentially, the idea is that different brains are built differently. So, an NT brain is a different "type" of brain than an autistic brain. Hence, the word "neurotype".
Neurodiversity: The concept of a diverse range of neurotypes. This is the idea that all neurotypes, NT, autistic, and others, are acceptable and normal parts of the range of human biodiversity.
Neurotypical: The kind of neurotype that is considered to be "normal" or "typical" of human beings, the kind which medical professionals claim is the "correctly functioning" brain. It's a bit of a misnomer because the true Neurotypicals are probably in the minority, making them no longer truly "typical".
Neurodivergent: Any neurotype that is NOT NT. This is sometimes used to mean "autistic", but that is an incorrect usage. It really just means "Neurologically different" and it's a catagory that includes all neurotypes other than NT.
Does that help?
Yes that sounds logical Lashire, thanks.
Do you think it's possible that someone could have inattentive ADHD (with the symptoms you write of, above) and Asperger's at the same time?
I've been officially diagnosed with this combination. From my own experience, I know the conditions share some traits, like hyperfocusing, but not all. I study both conditions to learn which traits are ADD, and thus can be medicated, or are AS, and thus cannot be medicated, or are bad habits developed because of the other two, and must be reconditioned.
I have a lot of friends who are diagnosed with ADD or ADHD. For the most part, I consider it to be a sort of "cousin condition" to autism. There are certainly a lot of similarities and I think that I actually get along best with ADD/ADHD people- better than I do with NTs, quirky NTs, or aspies. As far as I am concerned, the biggest difference is NOT "empathy"- it's social skils. The ADDers I know are all socially awkward, but only the same way a very shy NT person would be, whereas the aspies I know have significant problems in socializing, far above and beyond what the ADDers have.
Other than that, they seem very similar. The ADDers I know have intense, focused interests, like aspies, are a little clumsy, very forgettful, etc. These are all things they have in common at some level with most aspies.
I don't think ADD/ADHD is on the autism spectrum, but I do think it is a VERY closely related condition, and definitely a neurotype in it's own right..
Luai lashire,
Do you think it's possible that someone could have inattentive ADHD (with the symptoms you write of, above) and Asperger's at the same time?
I think I have this combination, personally.
Yes, I do think it's possible. I haven't met someone with it, personally, so I can't say what it would look like for sure. But I'd guess that the ADD/ADHD aspects would heighten some aspects of Asperger's and reduce others, as well as affecting areas that would not be affected by Asperger's. I suspect that ADD/ADHD might make socialization even harder for an aspie, because it would be difficult to pay attention to what the other person was doing/saying.
I wonder if I could take advantage of ADHD meds.
I really think a very interesting aspect of this is that people here who think they might have ADHD could benefit from medications in order to be more able to manage problems they are struggling with.
For me the ADD stuff is mainly a "side effect" of other things, including not being able to focus on more than one thing at once, and allergies etc, but it sure bugs me the most. The autism and communication stuff doesn't bother me personally, it's just what seems to bother others more.