ADHD & Autism

ADHD Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity disorder Symptoms: Also called ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) Types of ADHD Symptoms: Difficulty concentrating Not seem to be listening Easily distracted May be constantly in motion May interrupt / be impulsive

Prevalence About 3-7% of school-aged children have been diagnosed with ADHD. Boy are more likely to be diagnosed Almost 10% Compared to 6% of girls CDC.gov

Diagnosing ADHD Six or more symptoms of inattention OR hyperactivity-impulsivity present for at least 6 months AND is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level. Some symptoms present before the age of 7 Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (school/work or home) Clear evidence of significant impairment in social or school/work settings. The symptoms cannot be attributed to any other mental health disorder. CDC.gov

Treating ADHD Medication Behavioral intervention Parental training School

Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) What is ASD? Group of developmental disabilities Begin before the age of 3 No known cause No medical tests No cure Multiple symptoms

Prevalence Incidences have increased in the past 20 years. From 1998 – 2007, those 6-21 y/o increased from 54,064 to 258,305. (cdc.gov) May not be accurate though In general, 1 in 110 children are diagnosed with ASD. (CDC, 2009)

What causes ASD? Vaccine Theory: 1998 Report set off the debate Thimerosal and vaccines What does current research show? Frontline: “The Vaccine War”

Genes and Autism http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sciencenow/0402/04.html

Asperger Syndrome (AS) One of the ASD but distinguished from general autism. Signs & Symptoms Treatments http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=sherlock+holmes&view=detail&id=167549BCF29E1A788C7187E4323435DB24BFB4E3&first=1&FORM=IDFRIR