Co-occurrence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder- A Hospital Based Study

Abstract

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a Neuro-developmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, restricted and repetitive behaviors. The symptoms of ASD and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD) often co-occur. The DSM-V, in its revised ADHD diagnostic criteria, recognizes the frequency of this co-occurrence and allows, for the first time, a co-morbid diagnosis of ADHD with ASD. This allows more efficient clinical management of these children. Aim: To describe the profile of children with ASD enrolled in the Multimodal therapy unit of a tertiary care hospital and to estimate the co-occurrence of ADHD among these children. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out among 50 children with ASD enrolled in the Multimodal therapy unit of a tertiary care hospital in Tirunelveli in 2018after obtaining informed consent from the parent. Children were classified into the 3 levels based on the support they need. The diagnosis on the co-occurrence of ADHD was made based on DSM –V criteria. Results: Among the children ,78% were males and 22% were females. The mean age of diagnosis of ASD was 2 years. 38% were in level 1, 46% in level 2 and 16% in level 3 based on the support they need. Co-occurrence of ASD with ADHDwas28% (10% attention deficit and 18% hyperactivity). Conclusion: The co-occurrence of ASD and ADHD is high. The study stresses the need for a very detailed examination for ADHD features among children with ASD for better management.