MedlinePlus points out that 3 to 5 percent of school-age children have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, making it one of the most common behavioral disorders that occurs during childhood. Boys tend to have ADHD more often than girls. Another disorder that starts during childhood, autism affects three to six children out of every 1,000 children, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; boys have autism four times more often than girls.
Time Frame
MedlinePlus explains that children with autism show signs by age 3, though parents may notice symptoms by the time a child is 18 months old. Some autistic patients have normal development, but by age 1 or 2, they have a regression and lose their acquired social or language skills. With ADHD, the National Institute of Mental Health notes that patients begin showing signs between ages 3 and 6.
Identification
ADHD and autism both have hallmark symptoms. With ADHD, patients have symptoms of impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. Patients can have mainly inattention symptoms, hyperactive-impulsive symptoms or all three. Hyperactivity symptoms include problems playing quietly, fidgeting and running about at inappropriate times. ADHD patients with impulsive symptoms have problems with waiting their turn and interrupting others.
Examples of inattentive symptoms include becoming easily distracted and having problems with sustaining attention and being organization. With autism, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke explains that impaired social skills are the hallmark symptom. For example, autistic patients may spend time alone, treat others like objects and not make friends or play interactive games. Autistic patients may have communication problems, such as developing language slowly, using gestures and having problems with conversation. Other types of symptoms include repetitive behaviors and preoccupation with specific objects.
Diagnostic Criteria
Diagnosis for both ADHD and autism involves using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM-IV-TR, which includes specific criteria for each disorder. For autism, the doctor will note if the child has missed any developmental milestones, such as babbling by 12 months old. MedlinePlus notes that the doctor may use a specific screening tool for autism, such as the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised or the Childhood Autism Rating Scale.
When diagnosing ADHD, the doctor will note how many symptoms the patient has, if they have occurred for at least six months in two different settings or more, and if they cause significant problems. MedlinePlus adds that the doctor may give the parents or teachers questionnaires to gather further information on the child's symptoms.
Treatment
The treatment for ADHD may involve medications and different therapies. The National Institute of Mental Health points out that stimulant medications are the most common type used to treat ADHD; examples include methylphenidate and amphetamine-dextroamphetamine. Other medication options include a nonstimulant medication called atomoxetine and off-label medications, such as antidepressants and alpha-2 agonists. Non-medication options include behavior therapy, in which a reward system encourages good behavior and consequences discourage bad behavior. Medication options exist for autism, but they treat behavioral and emotional problems associated with the disorder.
For example, if an autistic patient has hyperactivity and impulsiveness, he may take a stimulant medication. MedlinePlus list several therapies that may help autistic patients, such as applied behavioral analysis, physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy. With applied behavioral analysis, a psychologist works one-on-one with the child to teach him various skills that can help him function.
Adulthood
The National Institute of Mental Health notes that high functioning autistic patients may work in mainstream jobs when they reach adulthood, though the language and social issues may continue to cause problems. Several living arrangements are available for adults with autism, which include living at home, independent living, supervised group living, skill-development homes and institutions. MedlinePlus points out that about half of ADHD patients continue to have symptoms as adults, though they tend to be more in control of their symptoms. The National Institute of Mental Health adds that ADHD may be diagnosed during adulthood, with treatment options including medication, psychotherapy and education on the disorder.
References
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Autism
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Autism Fact Sheet
- National Institute of Mental Health: Autism Spectrum Disorders (Pervasive Developmental Disorders)
- National Institute of Mental Health: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
