Attention Deficit–Hyperactivity Disorder Diagnosis Rate Higher for August vs. September Births

In states with a September 1 cutoff for kindergarten entry, August-born children were more likely to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than those born in September.

Rates of attention deficit–hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis in children have increased over the past 2 decades, but they vary geographically. State differences in arbitrary birthday cutoffs for kindergarten entry (i.e., being 5 years old by September 1) mean that some children will be up to a year younger than classmates, which may manifest as more social-emotional immaturity.

To investigate differences in ADHD diagnosis and treatment in children born in August versus September, researchers used data on over 400,000 children from a large private insurance database. Children were linked to their state of residence at presumed kindergarten entry (2012 through 2014), and ADHD diagnosis was determined by ICD-9 code or prescription of stim…

Reviewing Author

Jenny Radesky, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMelissa & Doug Toys (Consultant and Board of Directors)

Grant/Research SupportNational Institute for Child Health and Development; National Institutes of Health

Jenny Radesky, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMelissa & Doug Toys (Consultant and Board of Directors)

Grant/Research SupportNational Institute for Child Health and Development; National Institutes of Health

Attention Deficit–Hyperactivity Disorder Diagnosis Rate Higher for August vs. September Births

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Reviewing Author