Autism, ADHD or both?
New research highlights how complicated it can be to diagnose ADHD in youth with other conditions.
In-depth research conducted by UC Davis Health shows that a significant number of autistic children also have ADHD. The study published in European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry underscores the need to thoroughly diagnose children when they are young to ensure they have appropriate care.
– Elicia Fernandez, child and adolescent psychiatrist
The study assessed 645 participants and found that 213 met the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. Researchers found that early childhood autism diagnosis strongly predicts later ADHD diagnosis.
This research also highlights how complicated it can be to diagnose ADHD in youth with other conditions.
In some cases, very young children were suspected of having autism. However, following gold standard assessments as part of the study, they were found not to meet the criteria for autism after all. As these youth matured, many showed the inattentive presentation of ADHD, suggesting they may have had the disorder since early childhood.
The study provides new insights that could help clinicians better diagnose children with autism, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental issues. In particular, this work can give clinicians better tools to avoid missed or incorrect diagnoses and ineffective interventions. Also, by highlighting the large number of children with autism and ADHD, these findings support early interventions and continued monitoring.
– Professor Julie Schweitzer, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and the UC Davis MIND Institute.
Josh Baxt