Developmental/Behavioral Disorders

Among the most vexing challenges of autism is its very diagnosis.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are etiologically complex. Evidence that the origin begins in utero has made maternal conditions as risk factors during pregnancy the focus of increasing research.

Researchers think they now know why children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit the hallmark symptom of withdrawing into their own inner world: They are paying attention to all the information their brains are processing while they are seemingly at rest.

About one-third of parents of children with autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders try complementary and alternative forms of medicine (CAM), and those that do tend to be wealthier and more highly educated, according to a recent study.

A single intranasal spray of the naturally occurring hormone oxytocin improves function in areas of the brain associated with social interaction in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to a new study.

Computer-based cognitive training programs that claim to improve things such as inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and academic and social success in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) probably don’t live up to those promises.

An investigation of the combined risks of adolescence, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and driving while engaged in texting or cell phone conversation found that while distractions significantly impair the driving performance of all adolescents, the negative effects of texting are especially prominent in youngsters with ADHD.

It seems that signs of autism may surface in infants aged as young as 2 months, which would be the earliest known indicator of social disability, according to a recent study.

With the prevalence of, and prescriptions for, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) rising steeply in the past decade, experts are looking at whether current diagnostic practices and definitions are helping or hindering the situation.

Motor skills are significantly related to adaptive behavior skills in young children with autism spectrum disorders, according to a recent study, suggesting that focusing on motor skills development should be part and parcel of early intervention programs.

A new study indicates that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), was on the right track when it changed its autism symptom structure.

Before adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) head off to college and away from home, many for the first time, their pediatricians need to initiate frank discussions about how ADHD will affect them both academically and in their daily living and to help them plan a successful transition to what lies ahead.

The first brain wave test to diagnose attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) will be hitting the market following recent approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Racial and ethnic disparities concerning the diagnosis and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) appear as early as kindergarten and persist through 8th grade, according to a new study.

New research shows that almost one-third of children aged between 4 and 8 years who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) also have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

More than 90% of pediatric subspecialists who diagnose and manage attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in young children deviate from current recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry regarding treatment of pediatric ADHD.

Just 20 minutes of aerobic exercise provides significant benefits for kids with ADHD.

Investigators studied the relationship of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adolescence and adult physical and mental health, work performance, and financial stress.

New research reveals that children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are 5 times more likely to have eating problems and subsequently nutritional deficiencies than children who do not.

Children exposed to ischemic-hypoxic events in utero are at increased risk of developing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), especially those born prematurely. The findings add to growing evidence that both prenatal and postnatal factors affect neurodevelopment.

Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder are 9 times more likely to present to the emergency department (ED) for psychiatric reasons.

A mother who experiences influenza or prolonged fever while pregnant may increase the risk for autism in her child.

One of the most feared outcomes in children and adolescents with ADHD is the development of alcohol or drug abuse or dependence, referred to here as substance use disorders (SUD).

Children with severe autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often wander away from their homes or other safe environments, placing themselves in harm's way. A new study reveals the effect wandering has on families with children who exhibit this behavior.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved extended-release methylphenidate hydrochloride oral suspension for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Efficacy was determined in a randomized, double-blind, crossover study that showed improvement for both attention and behavior metrics for up to 12 hours in children aged 6 to 12 years diagnosed with ADHD compared with placebo. The once-daily treatment will be available in January 2013.

Acquiring a new pet after children with autism are 5 years old improves their social skills, French researchers found in a small study. Does having a pet since birth have the same effect? More >>

Results of a survey from the National Center for Health Statistics show that the median age at which children with special health care needs and ASD are identified is 5 years.

Mind-enhancement medications usually enhance everyone who uses them, not just those experiencing the most problems.

Earlier treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with stimulant drugs may reduce the risk of academic decline, especially in mathematics, a new study suggests. What are the relative benefits for girls and boys? More >>