ADHD & Autism

ADHD Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity disorder 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 Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity disorder 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 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 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 Are we overmedicating our kids? ne/shows/medicating/watch/ ne/shows/medicating/watch/ Medication Behavioral intervention Parental training School Are we overmedicating our kids? ne/shows/medicating/watch/ ne/shows/medicating/watch/

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 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, 9 per 1,000 children are diagnosed with ASD. 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, 9 per 1,000 children are diagnosed with ASD.

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

Genes and Autism enow/0402/04.html enow/0402/04.html enow/0402/04.html enow/0402/04.html