ADHD & AutismADHD & Autism

ADHDADHD

Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity disorderAlso called ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)

Types of ADHDSymptoms:

Difficulty concentratingNot seem to be listeningEasily distractedMay be constantly in motionMay interrupt / be impulsive

Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity disorderAlso called ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)

Types of ADHDSymptoms:

Difficulty concentratingNot seem to be listeningEasily distractedMay be constantly in motionMay interrupt / be impulsive

PrevalencePrevalence

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 ADHDDiagnosing 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 ADHDTreating ADHD

MedicationBehavioral interventionParental trainingSchool

Are we overmedicating our kids?http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/fr

ontline/shows/medicating/watch/

MedicationBehavioral interventionParental trainingSchool

Are we overmedicating our kids?http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/fr

ontline/shows/medicating/watch/

AutismAutism

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs)

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs)

What is ASD?Group of developmental disabilitiesBegin before the age of 3

No known causeNo medical testsNo cureMultiple symptoms

What is ASD?Group of developmental disabilitiesBegin before the age of 3

No known causeNo medical testsNo cureMultiple symptoms

PrevalencePrevalence

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?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 AutismGenes and Autism

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

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