Autism and Adhd 1,222

Definition of Autism
Autism is a complex neurobehavioral condition

that includes impairments in social interaction and
developmental language and communication skills
combined with rigid, repetitive behaviors.
Types of Autism
 Asperger's syndrome. This is on the milder end of

the autism spectrum. A person with Asperger's may
be very intelligent and able to handle her daily life.
 Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not

Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). This mouthful of
a diagnosis included most children whose autism was
more severe than Asperger's syndrome, but not as
severe as autistic disorder.
 Autistic disorder. This older term is further along the autism spectrum than Asperger’s and
PDD-NOS. It includes the same types of symptoms, but at a more intense level.
 Childhood disintegrative disorder. This was the rarest and most severe part of the
spectrum. It described children who develop normally and then quickly lose many social,
language, and mental skills, usually between ages 2 and 4.
Causes of Autism
Autism spectrum disorder has no single known cause. Given the complexity of the disorder,
and the fact that symptoms and severity vary, there are probably many causes. Both genetics and
environment may play a role.
 Genetics. Several different genes appear to be involved in autism spectrum disorder.
 Environmental factors. Researchers are currently exploring whether factors such as viral

infections, medications or complications during pregnancy, or air pollutants play a role in
triggering autism spectrum disorder.
Signs and Symptoms
Make an appointment with your child’s pediatrician if he doesn’t meet these specific
developmental milestones, or if he meets but loses them later on:
 Smiles by 6 months
 Imitates facial expressions or sounds by 9 months
 Coos or babbles by 12 months
 Gestures (points or waves) by 14 months
 Speaks with single words by 16 months and uses phrases of two words or more by 24
months
 Plays pretend or “make-believe” by 18 months
Risk Factors
It's not clear whether this is due to better detection and reporting or a real increase in the
number of cases, or both.
 Your child's sex. Boys are about four times more likely to develop autism spectrum disorder
than girls are.
 Family history. Families who have one child with autism spectrum disorder have an increased
risk of having another child with the disorder.
 Other disorders. Children with certain medical conditions have a higher than normal risk of
autism spectrum disorder or autism-like symptoms.
 Extremely preterm babies. Babies born before 26 weeks of gestation may have a greater risk
of autism spectrum disorder.
 Parents' ages. There may be a connection between children born to older parents and autism
spectrum disorder, but more research is necessary to establish this link.
Interventional/Management
No cure exists for autism spectrum disorder, and there is no one-size-fits-all treatment. The
goal of treatment is to maximize your child's ability to function by reducing autism spectrum
disorder symptoms and supporting development and learning
Treatment options may include:
Behavior and communication therapies. Many programs address the range of social, language
and behavioral difficulties associated with autism spectrum disorder.
Educational therapies. Children with autism spectrum disorder often respond well to highly
structured educational programs
Family therapies. Parents and other family members can learn how to play and interact with their
children in ways that promote social interaction skills, manage problem behaviors, and teach daily
living skills and communication.
Other therapies. Depending on your child's needs, speech therapy to improve communication

skills, occupational therapy to teach activities of daily living, and physical therapy to improve
movement and balance may be beneficial.
Medications. No medication can improve the core signs of autism spectrum disorder, but specific
medications can help control symptoms. In addition to autism spectrum disorder, children, teens
and adults can also experience:
Medical health issues. Children with autism spectrum disorder may also have medical issues,
such as epilepsy, sleep disorders, limited food preferences or stomach problems.
Problems with transition to adulthood. Teens and young adults with autism spectrum disorder
may have difficulty understanding body changes.
Other mental health disorders. Teens and adults with autism spectrum disorder often
experience other mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
Definition of ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

affects children and teens and can continue into
adulthood. ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed mental
disorder of children. Children with ADHD may be
hyperactive and unable control their impulses Or they may
have trouble paying attention. These behaviors interfere
with school and home life.
Types of ADHD
ADHD is divided into three different types:
 Predominantly inattentive ADHD

If you have this type of ADHD, you may experience more symptoms of inattention
than those of impulsivity and hyperactivity.
 Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive ADHD

This type of ADHD is characterized by symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity.
 Combination ADHD
If you have the combination type, it means that your symptoms don’t exclusively fall
within the inattention or hyperactive-impulsive behavior
Causes of ADHD
The cause of ADHD isn’t known. Researchers say several things may lead to it, including:
 Heredity.
 Chemical imbalance.
 Brain changes
 Poor nutrition, infections, smoking, drinking, and substance abuse
during pregnancy. .
 Toxins, such as lead.
 A brain injury or a brain disorder
Sign Symptoms of ADHD
 Self-focused behavior
A common sign of ADHD is what looks like an inability to recognize other people’s needs
and desires.
 Interrupting
Self-focused behavior may cause a child with ADHD to interrupt others while they’re talking
or butt into conversations or games, they’re not part of.
 Trouble waiting their turn
Kids with ADHD may have trouble waiting their turn during classroom activities or when
playing games with other children.
 Emotional turmoil
A child with ADHD may have trouble keeping their emotions in check. They may have
outbursts of anger at inappropriate times.
 Fidgetiness
Children with ADHD often can’t sit still. They may try to get up and run around, fidget, or
squirm in their chair when forced to sit.
Risk Factors for ADHD
There are a number of things that may put a child or teen at greater risk for being diagnosed with
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. These include:
 Someone in their family (such as a brother or sister, parent, or grandparent) having ADHD
or another mental disorder.
 Maternal drug use or smoking during pregnancy.
 Premature birth.
 Maternal exposure to environmental poisons — such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
— during pregnancy
 Environmental toxins, such as lead (found in peeling paint in older buildings) or being
exposed to second-hand smoke.
Intervention/Management
 Special education helps a child learn at school. Having structure and a routine can help
children with ADHD a lot.
 Behavior modification teaches ways to replace bad behaviors with good ones.
 Psychotherapy (counseling) can help someone with ADHD learn better ways to handle their
emotions and frustration. It can also help improve their self-esteem.
 Social skills training can teach behaviors, such as taking turns and sharing.
 Support groups of people with similar problems and needs can help with acceptance and
support. Groups also can provide a way to learn more about ADHD.

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Autism and Adhd 1,222

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What are the different types of autism?

What are some potential causes of autism?

Definition of Autism

Autism is a complex neurobehavioral condition

 Asperger's syndrome. This is on the milder end of

 Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not

 Genetics. Several different genes appear to be involved in autism spectrum disorder.

 Environmental factors. Researchers are currently exploring whether factors such as viral

Signs and Symptoms

Treatment options may include:

Other therapies. Depending on your child's needs, speech therapy to improve communication

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is divided into three different types:

 Predominantly inattentive ADHD

 Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive ADHD

Sign Symptoms of ADHD

 Behavior modification teaches ways to replace bad behaviors with good ones.

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