Developmental/Behavioral Disorders

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 >>

To describe the typical longitudinal developmental trajectories of social and communication functioning and repetitive behavior in children with autism, investigators analyzed data from birth records and a database of the California Department of Developmental Services that recorded symptom severity and functioning in nearly 7,000 children aged from 2 to 14 years with autism.

Children with autism spectrum disorder need greater access to the coordinated care available through a medical home, according to a systematic review of 13 studies that examined health care use, health care expenditures, and access to services by children with ASD.

A pilot trial of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in children with autistic disorder has demonstrated reduced irritability with minimal adverse effects. Can NAC improve other symptoms as well?

A proposed revision to the DSM-V criteria for a diagnosis of autism had critics charging that many patients with autism spectrum disorders would no longer quality for their diagnoses and would lose access to government services.

A simple pull-to-sit test of posture control at 6 months may indicate inappropriate neurologic development and warn of autism spectrum disorder in children at high genetic risk. What are the implications for screening and treatment?

Serotonin receptor inhibitors may have a small but significant effect in the treatment of restricted and repetitive behaviors in autism spectrum disorders, according to an analysis of randomized trials. But is there a publication bias?