Telling the difference: ASD, ADHD and Anxiety

Research by Hartley & Sikora in a recent issue of Autism Magazine: Can you distinguish high functioning autism from ADHD and from anxiety in older children? Here is a list of the DSM criteria for autism along with the results from a study that tested for each criteria in children with autism, ADHD and anxiety. It turns out that many of the problem areas are shared by the three groups. Check out the list below. (Note: DSM does not allow duel diagnosies such as ASD and ADHD or ASD and anxiety.)
ADHD Anxiety Communication Delay/lack of speech Yes Yes Impaired conversational ability No Stereotyped/repetitive language Yes Yes Lack of make-believe play Yes Yes Social Behaviors Non-verbal social behavior No No Failure to develop peer relationships No No Lack of seeking to share Yes Yes Lack of social & emotional reciprocity No No Restricted/repetitive/stereotyped patterns Stereotyped/restrictive patterns of interest No Non-functional routine or ritual No Stereotyped or repetitive motor mannerisms No Preoccupation with parts of objects Yes Yes