Is hyperfocus different for ADD/HD and ASD

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I did not want to hijack the other thread, but another thread made me curious: It talked about ADHD including a hyperfocus on things of special interest. (I do not remember who posted it) I have heard that before on a PBS show called ADD and Loving it.

My question is: Is this in any way different from ASD hyperfocus? I have (very unofficially diagnosed) ASD, my husband has undiagnosed ADD in all likelihood, and some aspie tendencies. My son is officially diagnosed with ASD but unsurprisingly has what may be ADD/ADHD tendencies. My son will get another evaluation next year at school and I will guess they will evaluate for ADHD at that time also.

I guess what I am worrying about is that they will handle ASD issues as ADHD issues because I think the school is more comfortable handling things that way. My son gets OT and ST now. I am giving them a chance to figure out what THEY think is behavioral vs. sensory and then I am trying to figure out how to proceed. He does well in class, but has difficulties with sitting still and paying attention/focus, and a slew of sensory/transition/social issues.

I am so glad you asked this question because I am wondering the same thing myself! How is hyperfocus different for ADHD compared to ASD?? In fact, it is one question I am going to be submitting to the psychologist who did our son's assessment, but I am not hopeful I will get any answer. Maybe someone here knows...

cutiecrystalmom

Hmmmm...I have both ADHD and AS so it would be difficult for me to know how much of my hyperfocus is due to what!

~Kate