15 october 2024 : A recent study reveals that approximately 3% of schoolchildren exhibit symptoms of both autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), while about 0.5% meet the criteria for a dual diagnosis. Conducted in Spain and published in Autism Research, the study also found that 33% of children diagnosed with autism also displayed ADHD symptoms, with the prevalence increasing in older children (46%) compared to younger ones (22%).
Understanding Autism and ADHD
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts communication, speech, learning, and behavior. Typical symptoms include challenges with eye contact, social interaction, communication difficulties, and sensory sensitivities.
ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder often identified in early childhood. Symptoms include hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and trouble focusing.
Study Overview
The research focused on the co-occurrence of ADHD and autism in children, examining 3,374 preschoolers aged 4 to 5 and 3,520 school-aged children aged 10 to 11. The study involved input from 99% of teachers and 54% of families, culminating in a final sample of 3,727 children with combined insights from both groups. This study was part of the Neurodevelopmental Disorders Epidemiological Research Project, conducted between 2014 and 2019 in Tarragona, Spain.
Key Findings
The study reported that both parents and teachers observed a 3% prevalence of autism and ADHD traits, with an estimated comorbidity rate of 0.5%. Although only 16% of the children had received formal diagnoses for both conditions, parents and teachers identified autism and ADHD traits in nearly all cases. The researchers recommend early screening for these co-occurring disorders in educational and home settings.
Notable Insights
The co-occurrence of autism and ADHD was notably higher in boys (4-5%) compared to girls (1-2%), based on whether diagnoses were derived from parental or teacher input. Additionally, 10% of children diagnosed with ADHD also displayed symptoms of autism, with a higher prevalence among younger children (16%) compared to older children (8%). However, it remains uncertain if this discrepancy is due to random chance. Moreover, an additional 6% of children with autism exhibited ADHD-like symptoms that did not meet the diagnostic criteria.
It’s important to note that this study highlights the prevalence of ADHD and autism in a specific region of Spain, and the reported percentages may not be representative of other areas globally.