ADHD & Autism

  • ‍ Autism spectrum disorder is a condition that affects how people see others and socialize with them. The condition also includes limited and repeated patterns of behavior. The term "spectrum" in autism spectrum disorder refers to the wide range of symptoms and the severity of these symptoms.  Autism spectrum disorder begins in early childhood. Over time, it can cause difficulty functioning in society.

    Some children show signs of autism spectrum disorder in early infancy. Other children may develop as expected for the first few months or years of life. Then they suddenly become withdrawn or aggressive or lose the language skills they had before. Signs usually are seen by ages 2 to 3 years old.

    Some people in the mild range on the autism spectrum may have more symptoms that aren't noticed early on. They may not be diagnosed until middle to late childhood, when there is a greater need to communicate and be social. Sometimes a diagnosis is made for the first time in adulthood, though symptoms were present during childhood.

    Autism spectrum disorder - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

    ‍ ‍

  • §  I make Autism diagnoses through direct observations, information from parents or other caregivers, and often through teacher or other outside-the-home caregiver report. Supplemental information like Teacher Vanderbilt Form, Report Cards, or IEP/504 documentation can help too.

    §  I make diagnoses rooted in the DSM-V criteria.

    §  In some cases, often in younger children, when Autism traits are notable and easily observed, I can diagnose Autism during the initial evaluation.

    §  I can perform psychological testing via CARS-2 testing for an Autism symptom severity profile. This helps us understand how symptoms of autism impact everyday life. Psychological testing is often required for insurance coverage of specialized services like ABA.

    §  Social and emotional regulation difficulties can also be rooted in ADHD, anxiety, depressive symptoms, intellectual disabilities, or past history of trauma.  In more complex or subtle cases, I may recommend additional psychological testing with one of the many clinical psychologists with whom I collaborate before we can arrive at a diagnosis.

  • ‍ Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, also called ADHD, is a long-term condition that affects millions of children. It often continues into adulthood. Symptoms can include having a hard time paying attention, being hyperactive and being impulsive.

    Children with ADHD also may have low self-esteem and troubled relationships and do poorly in school.

    There are three types of ADHD:

    • Predominately inattentive. In this type, most symptoms fall under inattention. This means having trouble focusing and staying on a task. It also includes trouble getting and staying organized.

    • Predominately hyperactive and impulsive. In this type, most symptoms involve being hyperactive and impulsive. Hyperactive means being too active and having too much energy. It may include disruptive behavior.

    • Combined. This type is a mix of inattentive symptoms and hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. The person meets the criteria for both.

    ‍ ‍

    Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

  • §  I make ADHD diagnoses through direct observations of your child, information you the caregiver provide, and often through teacher or other outside-the-home caregiver report. Supplemental information like Teacher Vanderbilt Form, Report Cards, or IEP/504 documentation can help.

    §  Difficulties with impulsivity and concentration can also be affected by anxiety, depressive symptoms, learning disabilities, or past history of trauma.

    §  In many cases, I can diagnose ADHD in the initial evaluation. In most cases we arrive at a diagnosis within the first few visits while I better get to know the patient. In more complex cases, I may recommend additional psychological testing with one of the many clinical psychologists with whom I collaborate.