Take a Diagnostic Exam ❮ 43address specific established goals. The child learns to identify and change thoughts that
lead to negative feelings, repetitive behaviors, or instances of social withdrawal. Cognitive
behavioral therapy focuses on creating solutions, encouraging children to challenge dis-
torted cognitions and change their destructive patterns of behavior.
Although autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may
have similar symptoms, there are some distinct differences. Attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder is a biological condition making it difficult for children to concentrate, focus, or
curb impulses. Autism spectrum disorder is a neuro-developmental condition that causes
children to have challenges with social skills, communication, and thinking. Children with
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder lose interest and avoid focus on things that require
concentration, engage best with others and have difficulty remaining self-occupied, tend to
talk non-stop, are likely to interrupt, can talk at length about areas of interest, and do not
like doing the same thing, or for long periods of time. Conversely, children with autism
spectrum disorder struggle to focus on things they dislike, tend to be self-centered and
can remain occupied by themselves for extended periods of time, have difficulty putting
thoughts and feelings into words, crave order and repetition, and avoid making direct eye
contact.