ADHD in Children with Autism

Introduction

In 2013, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) published by the American Psychiatric Association began using one term for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), no longer differentiating between Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and ADHD. In addition, ADHD has now been moved to the chapter entitled Neurodevelopmental Disorders to reflect an association with brain development rather than being characterized as a disruptive behavioral disorder. The DSM-V also acknowledged (based on research studies) that most individuals with autism may have a co-morbid condition (a condition that occurs along with autism) which may include the diagnosis of ADHD.

ADHD is often characterized by symptoms of inattentiveness and impulsivity. Children with ADHD may also exhibit the following issues: omitting details, listening difficulties, easily distracted, inability to follow through on instructions; difficulty sustaining attention and organizing tasks; disorganized; exhibit poor time management; lose personal items; tend to be very forgetful; may be fidgety, tap hands, or squirm in their seat; may leave or bolt unexpectedly; might be very hyperactive; very restless; unable to engage in quiet play or activity; talk excessively; have difficulty waiting their turn; and often interrupt or intrude unexpectedly.

A child with ADHD could benefit socially, academically and developmentally from many of the same interventions as a child with autism. Some of these interventions are as follows: special diets (i.e., GFCF); reducing environmental stressors with therapies such as: auditory integration, neurobiofeedback, acupuncture, NAET, and parasite therapy modalities; and addressing other potential issues such as: heavy metals, detoxification, allergies, leaky gut, bacteria, viruses, and excitotoxicity. Working with a practitioner to treat the underlying causes of ADHD may be a more safe and effective choice than treating individual symptoms.

Related Sites

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Alternative Treatments
Description: WebMD presents a variety of alternative treatments for children with ADHD and looks at their effectiveness: behavioral therapies, chiropractic, neurobiofeedback, dietary intervention, memory training and fats.

Brain Balance Achievement Centers
Description: The Brain Balance Achievement Centers address ADHD issues by understanding the root cause and providing a comprehensive program to synchronize the left and right hemispheres of the brain to achieve advancements in social, behavioral and academic areas.

Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
Description: This ADHD support organization was founded in 1987 and provides training and events for parents and professionals, participates in advocacy efforts, and offers a variety of support options and resources.

What is ADHD
Description: This link is a picture slideshow of the most common symptoms in children with ADHD: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. The pictures show school children exhibiting ADHD symptoms in a classroom or home setting.

Books

Mindful Parenting for ADHD: A Guide to Cultivating Calm, Reducing Stress, and Helping Children Thrive by Mark Bertin MD
Description: This book is written by a pediatrician and is based on proven and effective mindfulness techniques that can help you and your child with ADHD remain calm, in control, and flexible.

VICTORY OVER ADHD: a holistic approach for helping children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder by Deborah Merlin
Description: Deborah Merlin writes a very candid book on her personal journey searching for alternative non-invasive therapies for her twin sons with ADHD. She presents a wide variety of alternative therapies, doctors, and nutrition along with the underlying causes she was able to address.

Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma and Allergies: The Ground-Breaking Program for the 4-A Disorders by Kenneth Bock, MD
Description: Kenneth Bock, MD, is a MAPS doctor who has written this important and very comprehensive book on the new childhood epidemics which includes ADHD. The book outlines the necessary biomedical treatments to address the underlying causes of ADHD.

ADHD Alternatives: A Natural Approach to Treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder by Aviva J. Romm and Tracy Romm, Ed.D
Description: This guide book is an all-inclusive natural and holistic approach to ADHD. The book offers non-drug solutions to families by treating ADHD with a variety of options: nutritional supplementation, herbal medication as well as parental strategies for building self-esteem.

Tools

Classroom Modifications for Children with ADHD or Concentration Issues
Description: Brain Balance Centers provide a variety of tips for parents and teachers on how to modify the classroom to gain the most effective results in managing symptoms and enhancing performance.

ADHD and You, Tools You Can Use
Description: This site contains educational tools and resources for patients with ADHD and their parents and caregivers. Brochures, videos and helpful links are provided.

Parent, Teacher and Student Coaching: Creating Pathways to Success
Description: This site provides ADHD tools and resources for parents, teachers and students. There are books for teachers and parents with great strategies, supportive websites, ADHD books for kids, magazines and great learning and studying tools.

ADDitude, Strategies for ADHD and LD
Description: This site offers a plethora of tools for those with ADHD including a wide variety of apps and gadgets.

Parent Forums/Blogs

Some forums require you to sign in to Yahoo or Facebook to locate forum names.

Forum/Blog Name: ADHD Kids Care – Support Group for Parents
Description: This Facebook group helps parents and those interested in ADHD/ADD by providing various resources along with information and support to those seeking it.

Forum/Blog Name: ADHD Blogs and Forums You Should Follow
Description: This site provides ten different ADHD blogs as well as a comprehensive ADHD list of resources and information links.

Forum/Blog Name: PsychCentral: (Blog) 9 Surefire Strategies That Don’t Work With Kids with ADHD
Description: The blog explores unsuccessful and successful strategies for kids with ADHD.

Forum/Blog Name: Natural ADHD Treatments for Kids
Description: This is a parent forum that discusses natural ADHD treatments for kids such as diets, supplements and therapies.