Description
This course provides a comprehensive, evidence-based exploration of the intersection between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In this interview, Dr. Caroline Buzanko and Dr. Sharp shift the clinical focus from surface behaviors to the internal drivers that differentiate ADHD and Autism. Participants will first examine the clinical necessity of differentiating these profiles, understanding how an accurate diagnosis dictates effective intervention and prevents the "diagnostic overshadowing" that often occurs when ADHD symptoms mask underlying autistic traits. By exploring the "why" behind the "what," practitioners will learn to distinguish between an ADHD performance deficit—where skills exist but are inconsistent—and an ASD skill deficit, where the intuitive "social manual" is missing.
Dr. Buzanko provides an overview of the neurological landscape, allowing participants to consider the neuroanatomical similarities in brain connectivity that create symptom overlap, while also highlighting distinct differences in how each brain processes social subtext and sensory information. Participants will gain the skills to explain the complex overlap of Criterion A social communication symptoms, learning to identify whether a social slip is due to ADHD inattention or an ASD lack of "intuitive knowing." Moving into Criterion B, the material contrasts the delayed-but-typical developmental trajectory of the ADHD brain against the more asynchronous profile of the autistic brain, specifically differentiating between ADHD structure-seeking for executive support and the autistic intolerance of uncertainty.
Finally, Dr. Buzanko discusses practical diagnostic tools that help the practitioner recognize the "invisible" presentation of autism in girls and high-IQ individuals by analyzing "unique" developmental profiles and identifying jarring splinter skills. Participants will move beyond a diagnosis-centered approach to a transdiagnostic formulation, learning to utilize specific diagnostic tests and screeners effectively while prioritizing qualitative clinical observation, historical infancy data, and social-referencing patterns over standardized scores alone.
Interview conducted February 2023.
Target audience: Psychologists, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, social workers, addiction counselors, nurses, case managers.
Course Format: Asynchronous, distance learning. Non-interactive. Recorded audio with transcript.
This CE course is designated as intermediate.
Content Category: Testing/Assessment/Clinical
Fees, Refunds, Cancellations
There is no known conflict of interest or commercial support.
Do you have questions about this course? Please Contact Us and we'll be happy to help.
Author Bio
ABOUT DR. CAROLINE BUZANKO
Dr. Caroline Buzanko received her Master's degree in Counselling Psychology and PhD in Psychology from the University of Alberta. She has worked for over 25 years with kids, teens, and parents to boost resilience, confidence, learning, and overall well-being.
In her specialized assessments, she helps parents and teachers understand kids’ strengths, where they struggle, and how to support them in the best way possible. Her goal is to make learning feel easier and equip families with tools that actually work.
In therapy, her focus is on practical, real-life strategies to build confidence, resilience, and connection. As a mom, she gets how hard it is to “do the right thing,” so she makes sure the advice she gives is realistic and doable.
Dr. Buzanko speaks, leads workshops, and runs groups around the world on parenting, ADHD, autism, anxiety, behavior management, and more. She believes knowledge is power, and she loves sharing what she knows to help families thrive.
Dr. Buzanko was honored as the Psychologist of the Year for Alberta in 2024 for her expertise in emotion regulation, anxiety, resilience, and neurodivergence.
Get in touch:
Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/
Overpowering Emotions Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/overpowering-emotions-podcast-helping-children-and/id1618828819
ABOUT DR. JEREMY SHARP
Dr. Jeremy Sharp is a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling, a private practice founded in 2009 that has grown to over 20 clinicians. He earned an undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina before getting a Master’s and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. He specializes in psychological and neuropsychological evaluation with kids and adolescents. 
CE Approvals
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It is At Health's understanding that these programs meet the criteria of an approved continuing education program for social work in Arkansas. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit.
It is At Health's understanding that these programs meet the criteria of an approved continuing education program for social workers, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, master's level psychologists, licensed clinical psychotherapists, and alcohol and other drug abuse counselors in Kansas. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit.
It is At Health's understanding that these programs meet the criteria of an approved continuing education program for mental health practice and for social work in Nebraska. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit.
It is At Health's understanding that these programs meet the criteria of an approved continuing education program for psychologists, pastoral psychotherapists, clinical social workers, clinical mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and alcohol and drug abuse counselors in New Hampshire. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit.
It is At Health's understanding that these programs meet the criteria of an approved continuing education program for social workers, professional counselors, marital and family therapists, and clinical pastoral therapists in Tennessee. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit.
Other jurisdictions may accept trainings offered by At Health, LLC for your continuing education requirements. Restrictions may apply. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit.”
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Page last modified or reviewed by athealth.com on Feb 18, 2026.
Learning Objectives
Based on the content of this course, I can:
- Articulate why clinically differentiating between ADHD and Autism is needed
- Discuss neuroanatomical similarities and differences between autism and ADHD
- Describe how social motivation, masking, and gender-normative interests can lead to diagnostic overshadowing or a misdiagnosis.
- Distinguish between social-communication challenges caused by executive functioning/inattention (ADHD) and those caused by a lack of intuitive social-cognitive "knowing" (ASD)
- List diagnostic tests that are useful in differentiating ASD from ADHD
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