Dr. Jim Roche provides diagnostic and intervention services for children, adolescents and adults with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) in both his Vancouver and Burnaby offices.
ADHD symptoms worsen quality of life for individuals with autism, study finds
ADHD symptoms worsen quality of life for individuals with autism, study finds
Research supported by the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network (ATN), demonstrating that symptoms of attention deficit and hyperactivity worsen quality of life for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), has been presented at the Society for Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas.
Researchers Parul Vora, M.D., developmental-behavioral pediatric fellowat Nationwide Children's and Darryn Sikora, Ph.D., Director of the Autism Program at Oregon Health Sciences University, used data exclusively from the ATN Registry to examine whether the presence of symptoms of attentiondeficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) might have additional impact on the adaptive functioning and quality of life of children and adolescents with ASD. After reviewing measures of attention and hyperactivity, and measures of quality of life, for over 2,000 children and adolescents with ASD, they found that over half of this group had symptoms of either attention or hyperactivity problems. More than a third had significant symptoms of both.
While there is sometimes a reluctance to directly address ADHD symptoms with children, adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder, it's clear to many in the field that successful treatment interventions must also address these often debilitating symptoms. Click on the article above for more information.