ADHD and Autism

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is characterized by age-inappropriate levels of motor hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention?

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (correct)

Conduct Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Which of the following is NOT a symptom of the predominantly inattentive presentation of ADHD?

Easily distracted

Difficulty following instructions

Fidgets with hands/feet (correct)

Unorganized

At what age is the onset of ADHD symptoms required for diagnosis according to the DSM-5?

Before age 15

Before age 8

Before age 12 (correct)

Before age 10

What percentage of children are estimated to be affected by ADHD?

10% Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is considered a second-line treatment for ADHD?

Clonidine Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the combined presentation of ADHD?

Both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms are present Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT considered in the etiology of ADHD?

High birth weight Signup and view all the answers

What is a common developmental outcome for adults with ADHD?

Life histories of academic and occupational failure Signup and view all the answers

Which medication is most commonly used for children with ADHD who experience side effects from other treatments?

Methylphenidate Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential adverse effect of using Methylphenidate in children?

Insomnia Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Pervasive difficulties with social communication Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a diagnostic criterion for Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Excessive interest in social activities Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom may be least apparent in older children and adults with ASD?

Excessive verbal communication Signup and view all the answers

What type of impairments must be considered during the diagnosis of ASD?

Social and occupational impairments Signup and view all the answers

In diagnosing ASD, what should be specified if a patient has no intellectual impairment?

Severity based on social communication impairments Signup and view all the answers

Which behavior is characteristic of restricted, repetitive patterns in ASD?

Echolalia Signup and view all the answers

Which developmental period is typically noted for the early symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Between 12-24 months Signup and view all the answers

What might be an apparent preference in social interaction for some individuals with ASD?

Interest in solitary activities Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about language deficits in ASD is true?

Many have echoed speech or stilted language Signup and view all the answers

What impact does the presence of an intellectual developmental disorder have on Autism Spectrum Disorder prognosis?

It can worsen the overall prognosis. Signup and view all the answers

Which disorder may present diagnostic challenges due to overlapping symptoms with Autism Spectrum Disorder?

ADHD Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT considered a feature of restricted behavior patterns in autism?

High levels of social engagement Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Definition: A neurodevelopmental disorder involving age-inappropriate levels of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.
Presentations:
- Predominantly inattentive: difficulty with attention to detail, following instructions, organization, tasks requiring effort, and managing timetables. Frequently misplaces items. Easily distracted.
- Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive: fidgeting, difficulty remaining still, excessive running/climbing (in childhood), excessive talking, blurting out answers, difficulty waiting turns, interrupting others.
- Combined presentations: exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types.
Clinical Presentation Across Different Developmental Stages: Characteristic behaviors (inattention, distractibility, impulsivity) are observed across childhood, adolescence and adulthood.
Adults: Symptoms manifest as inattention, distractibility, disorganization, and inefficient task completion negatively impacting academics and employment.
Prevalence: Common in childhood and adolescence, persisting in about 50% of individuals into adulthood. Affects approximately 10% of children and 4.5% of adults; males are affected more commonly (2:1 ratio).
Etiology: Multifactorial; genetic predisposition (increased incidence in first-degree relatives) and environmental factors (prenatal exposure to neurotoxins, low birth weight, potential abuse/neglect) are involved.
Diagnosis (DSM-5): Onset before age 12; symptoms for at least 6 months observed in two or more settings (e.g., home, school).
Differential Diagnosis: Conditions such as oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, mood disorders, substance use disorder, and anxiety must be ruled out.
Treatment: Medications combined with education and behavioral interventions.
- First-line: Stimulants (methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine).
- Second-line: Alpha-2 agonists (e.g., clonidine) for those who do not respond to or have side effects from stimulants.
- Mechanism of Action: Catecholamines play a role in attention within the cerebral cortex; methylphenidate is a common intervention.
- Dosage and Administration: Typically begins with a low dose (e.g., 5mg), gradually increasing over weeks depending on the response and side effects. Multiple daily doses are often needed.
- Potential Adverse Effects: Insomnia, anorexia, weight loss, and growth suppression (in children).

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Definition: A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent difficulties with social communication and repetitive, restricted patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.
Onset: Typically in developmental period, often before school entry.
Diagnosis (DSM-5): Criteria are focused on:
- A. Persistent Deficits in Social Communication and Social Interaction:
  - Difficulties in social-emotional reciprocity, nonverbal communication, developing and maintaining relationships.
- B. Restricted, Repetitive Patterns of Behavior, Interests, or Activities:
  - Stereotyped motor movements, use of objects, or speech; insistence on sameness, inflexible adherence to routines; highly restricted interests.
  - Includes sensory sensitivities: unusual interests in sensory aspects of the environment.
- C-E: Symptoms must be present in early developmental period; significantly impact functioning in various areas; and not better explained by another condition.
Severity Specifiers: Very substantial, substantial, support (based on social communication and restricted behaviors.)
Specifiers: With or without intellectual impairment, language impairment; associated with a known genetic or medical condition or environmental factor, or associated with a neurodevelopmental, mental, or behavioral problem.
Specifiers with catatonia: also be specified
General Characteristics: May present with language deficits (absence of speech, delays, or unusual speech patterns), social deficits that may manifest differently in older children and adults.
Social Interactions and Preferences: Solitary activities might be preferred; interactions with individuals younger or older could be preferred. Approaches that seem aggressive or disruptive may occur.
Diagnostic Features: Restricted/repetitive patterns of behaviors (hand flapping, repetitive use of objects, stereotyped words/phrases).
Development and Course: Typically recognized during the second year of life (12-24 months). Severe cases may be recognized earlier.
Prognosis: Dependent on presence of comorbid conditions.
Differential Diagnosis: Comorbidities must be considered, including epilepsy (associated with greater intellectual disability); ADHD (distinguishing features: absence of restricted behaviors or unusual interests).
Psychiatric Comorbidities: High prevalence (70%) of comorbid mental disorders (including anxiety, depression, ADHD) and frequent presentation of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.