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.

Course Format: Asynchronous, distance learning. Non-interactive. Recorded audio with transcript.

NAADAC Online CE Completion limits: There is a limit of 8 hours (8 CE) of credit for online courses within a 24-hour period.

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The course will be available in your account immediately after purchase. The Course Completion Certificate and Letter of Completion will be immediately available in your account upon successful completion of the course post-test (a score of 80% or higher) and completion of the course evaluation. You will have unlimited attempts to pass the post-test.

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American Psychological Association (APA)

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NAADAC – The Association for Addiction Professionals

Athealth.com is approved as a continuing education provider by the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors, the Association for Addiction Professionals. #148460.

Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)

At Health, LLC, Provider #1707, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 5/3/2023–5/3/2026.

Page last modified or reviewed by athealth.com on Mar 6, 2026.

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. 

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