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ADHD & Autism. ADHD. Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity disorder Also called ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) Types of ADHD Symptoms: Difficulty concentrating Not seem to be listening Easily distracted May be constantly in motion May interrupt / be impulsive. Prevalence.
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ADHD • Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity disorder • Also called ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) • Types of ADHD • Symptoms: • Difficulty concentrating • Not seem to be listening • Easily distracted • May be constantly in motion • May interrupt / be impulsive
Prevalence • 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 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
Treating ADHD • Medication • Behavioral intervention • Parental training • School • Are we overmedicating our kids? • http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/medicating/watch/
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) • What is ASD? • Group of developmental disabilities • Begin before the age of 3 • No known cause • No medical tests • No cure • Multiple symptoms
Prevalence • 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? • Vaccine Theory: • 1998 Report set off the debate • Thimerosal and vaccines • What does current research show?
Genes and Autism • http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sciencenow/0402/04.html