ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, includes what used to be called Autistic Disorder, Asperger syndrome, or Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified, all of which affect a person’s social and emotional skills and nonverbal communication. ASD has many similarities to ADHD, but there are also differences between the two. Can a person be diagnosed…

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ADHD and Coexisting Conditions (infographic)

More than two-thirds of individuals with ADHD have at least one other coexisting condition.  This infographic looks at the conditions that co-occur often with ADHD,  including anxiety, depression, learning disorders, Tourette syndrome, speech problems, conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), bipolar disorder, sleep problems and substance abuse.

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Podcasts

Podcasts from the National Resource Center on ADHD address a variety of topics on ADHD, including interventions and tips for parents, adults, educators and other professionals. Listen to the podcasts on SoundCloud or on iTunes.

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ADHD Across the Lifespan (infographic)

ADHD is a disorder that can affect individuals across the lifespan. It is characterized by inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. This infographic lists some of the key issues that individuals with ADHD typically face at different phases of life.

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Glossary of Terms

Accommodations: Changes made to the learning environment curriculum in order to better serve children with special needs or learning differences. Accommodations can include but are not limited to test presentation, extended time, different testing locations and variation in the way material is presented and/or taught to students. ADD: This refers to “Attention Deficit Disorder,” an older term…

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Myths and Misunderstandings

Evidence from research studies continue to dispel the myths and misunderstandings about ADHD. Here are some of the misconceptions and recent research available to address them:   Myth # 1: ADHD is Not a Real Disorder ADHD cases have been described as far back as the textbook published in 1775 by Adam Weikard in German.…

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Frequently Asked Questions

Health Information Specialists at the National Resource Center on ADHD, a Program of CHADD, receive thousands of inquiries each year about ADHD. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers, as well as links for more information.   General Questions about ADHD What is ADHD? Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic neurodevelopmental…

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Insurance and Public Benefits

Because ADHD can pervade almost every aspect of an individual’s life, many systems can come into play in the life of a person or family affected by the disorder.   The Insurance System The majority of Americans who have health insurance receive this coverage through employer-provided health insurance plans. Millions of Americans, however, do not…

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Professionals Who Diagnose and Treat ADHD

When seeking an evaluation or treatment for ADHD, it is important to see a qualified, licensed healthcare professional. In addition to ensuring that a particular professional has the required training, it is also important to work with a professional who has experience in dealing with this disorder. There are several types of professionals who typically…

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Executive Function Skills

Executive function refers to brain functions that activate, organize, integrate and manage other functions. It enables individuals to account for short- and long-term consequences of their actions and to plan for those results. It also allows individuals to make real-time evaluations of their actions and make necessary adjustments if those actions are not achieving the…

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ADHD and Tics or Tourette Syndrome

Tourette Syndrome and ADHD frequently co-occur. More than half of children with TS also have ADHD. About one in five children with ADHD also have TS or persistent tic disorders. Symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and tics can affect children’s lives at home, at school, or with friends. When a child has both ADHD symptoms…

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ADHD and Disruptive Behavior Disorders

Having ADHD along with a coexisting disruptive behavior disorder (ODD/CD) can complicate diagnosis and treatment and also worsen the prognosis. Even though many children with ADHD ultimately adjust, some (especially those with an associated conduct or oppositional defiant disorder) are more likely to drop out of school, have fewer years of overall education, have less…

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