In my work with children, teens, and adults at Neurvana Health, I often meet clients who come in feeling confused, discouraged—or even invalidated—by a past diagnosis. Sometimes they’ve been labeled with ADHD. Sometimes autism. Sometimes both, or neither. And almost always, they’ve been told their struggles result from behavioural problems or character flaws, rather than underlying neurological differences.
But here's the truth: Neurodevelopmental diagnoses are complex. And overlapping symptoms often lead to misdiagnosis—or missed diagnosis altogether.
ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Social Communication Disorder (SCD) all share several outward symptoms, such as:
However, what causes those challenges—and how they show up internally—can vary significantly.
For example, someone with ADHD may struggle to follow a conversation because their mind is racing, while someone with ASD may miss social cues due to processing differences. Someone with SCD may have strong cognitive abilities but still struggle to pick up on tone or implied meaning in social interactions.
When we mistake one for the other, it can have real consequences:
At Neurvana, I take the time to dig deeper—through comprehensive assessments, detailed interviews, and collaboration with other providers—to understand not just the label, but the why behind the struggle.
Many individuals—especially women and girls— “mask” their symptoms to fit in socially. They learn how to imitate eye contact, memorize social rules, or suppress stimming behaviors to avoid standing out.
While masking can help someone navigate daily life, it often comes at a high cost: chronic anxiety, burnout, identity confusion, or even physical symptoms like pain and fatigue.
In these cases, the person may not “look” like they have ADHD or autism, but inside, they’re struggling to keep it all together.
SCD is a lesser-known but incredibly important condition that affects how a person uses verbal and nonverbal language in social contexts. These individuals might:
SCD is frequently mistaken for ADHD or ASD — but the interventions are different, and accurate identification is crucial for success.
As a therapist trained in diagnostic assessments and trauma-informed care, I take a multi-layered approach:
Whether someone identifies as autistic, ADHD, gifted, anxious—or is just looking for answers—I meet them with curiosity, respect, and a commitment to uncovering an accurate understanding of their unique neurodevelopmental and psychological profile.
If you or your child has been misdiagnosed, misunderstood, or stuck in a system that doesn’t see the full picture, I want you to know: it’s okay to start again.
Understanding who you are is not about putting yourself in a box—it’s about unlocking access to the right kind of support, the right tools, and the right path forward.
Maria Carveth, MSW, RSW is a trauma-informed therapist at Neurvana Health in Calgary, where she blends evidence-based modalities with a compassionate, root-cause approach to mental health. Her work is especially supportive for those navigating chronic illness, emotional overwhelm, or complex diagnoses.
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