When ADHD Behaviors Occur in Young Children, Consider Autism Spectrum Disorder

Behaviors consistent with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in young children may mask a diagnosis of autism.

Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in young children is often challenging in primary care pediatrics. Typical ASD behaviors are variable and may not be observed in brief primary care visits (NEJM JW Pediatr Adolesc Med Mar 2015 and Pediatrics 2015 Jan 12 [e-pub]). Although pediatricians have considerable experience with ADHD in school-age children, ADHD behaviors in preschool-age children may be difficult to differentiate from normal behaviors. Also, some phenotypic features of ADHD and ASD overlap.

In a national random-digit–dialed sample survey of households with children aged 2 to 17 years (>85,000 families), 1496 parents reported that their child had a diagnosis of ASD, about 20%…

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics