ADHD & AUTISM CHILDHOOD DISORDERS

Childhood Disorders (developmental disorders): Typically diagnosed during infancy, childhood or adolescence. Although some adults may also relate to some of the symptoms of these disorders, typically the disorder's symptoms need to have first appeared at some point in the person's childhood.

ADHD— Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Psychological disorder producing one or more of three key symptoms: Extreme Inattention—can’t focus Misses details and makes careless mistakes Is unable to organize tasks and activities Doesn’t seem to listen when spoken to Is easily distracted Avoids, dislikes or hesitates to participate in activities that require continuous mental effort (e.g., homework)

ADHD— Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Hyperactivity—constantly moving and restless Fidgets or squirms in seat Leaves his or her seat when it isn’t appropriate Runs or climbs when it isn’t appropriate (in adults, this might be restlessness) Frequently has difficulty playing or participating in activities quietly Talks excessively Impulsivity—act on impulse (sudden desire) rather than thought Blurts out answers before questions are completed Has a tough time awaiting his or her turn Interrupts others (e.g., disrupts a conversation or game)

Brad’s Story-Video Clip

Possible Causes: Genetics o ADHD runs in families o People with ADHD seem to have lower levels of dopamine in the brain. Environment o link between ADHD and maternal smoking o Lead exposure

Possible Causes: Food Additives o food additives and sugar can have effects on behavior o lack of omega-3 fatty acids is linked to ADHD symptoms o research data does not support these as causes Brain Injury o Can cause attention deficit disorder in some very small minority of children. o Can come about following exposure to toxins or physical injury, either before or after birth. o Experts say that head injuries can cause ADHD-like symptoms in previously unaffected people, perhaps due to frontal lobe damage.

Quality of Life For both kids and adults, these symptoms create problems at school, work and in relationships. ADHD can make daily life difficult Living with ADHD Video

Treatment Options Medication Both stimulants and non-stimulants are prescribed to treat ADHD, helping to improve academic, occupational and social functioning. Studies have shown medication to be safe Psychotherapy Teaches both children and adults the skills they need to succeed

Autism Spectrum Disorder Childhood disorder characterized by a failure to develop normal patterns of communication, social interactions, and emotional responses. Autism now affects 1 in 110 children and 1 in 70 boys Autism spectrum disorders can often be reliably detected by the age of 3 years, and in some cases as early as 18 months.

Symptoms: Social o As infants  Difficult to feed  No social smiling  Does not respond well to being held or cuddled o As Children  Trouble forming attachments to people  Rarely maintain eye contact  Frequent tantrums  Forms attachments to objects  Powerful need to maintain “sameness” in their environment

Symptoms (cont) Communication May have delayed speech May never speak May have large vocabulary but trouble sustaining conversation Echolalia—an autistic symptom in which the person “echoes” or repeats what has just been said

Symptoms (cont) Repetitive Behaviors Spin or rock Flap arms Walk on toes Often older children with autism have a great interest in numbers/letters, symbols, dates or science topics.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Low IQ Giftedness Features of ADHD….Anxiety….Depression Savant like skills (lists, maps, dates, music) Unusual sensory issues (touch,pain,texture) Sleep Problems Activities for daily living

Causes Autism is a physical disorder linked to abnormal biology and chemistry in the brain. The exact causes of these abnormalities remain unknown, but this is a very active area of research. Genetic factors seem to be important.  Identical twins are much more likely than fraternal twins or siblings to both have autism.  Language abnormalities are more common in relatives of autistic children.  Chromosomal abnormalities and other neurological problems are also more common in families with autism. Researchers are investigating potential defects that occur during initial brain development

Treatment Options: There is no single best treatment package for all children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) One point that most professionals agree on is that early intervention is important Most individuals with ASD respond well to highly structured, specialized programs  An effective treatment program will build on the child's interests  Offer a predictable schedule  Teach tasks as a series of simple steps  Actively engage the child's attention in highly structured activities  Provide regular reinforcement of behavior. Treatment may also include medication as monitored by a medical professional