Autism & ADHD

ASD-DSM5

Must meet criteria A & B

A

• deficits in social interactions & communication

  • social-emotional reciprocity

  • understanding nonverbal communication tools

  • developing & maintaining close relationships

B

• restricted, repetitive behaviors interests or activities [must meet 2]

  • stereotyped movements & speech

  • insistence on sameness

  • highly restricted interests

  • hyper/hypo reaction to sensory input

**S/s must be present in early childhood

must cause social impairment across multiple areas of life

cannot be better explained by intellectual disability

ADHD-DSM5

• 6+ symptoms for ≥6 months, present before age 12

• In 2 or more settings

• Symptoms must impair function and be developmentally inappropriate

🔹 ADHD Subtypes:

1. Inattentive Type:

   • Easily distracted, forgetful, avoids tasks needing focus, loses things, etc.

2. Hyperactive-Impulsive Type:

   • Fidgeting, can't stay seated, talks excessively, interrupts, blurts out answers, etc.

3. Combined Type:

   • Meets full criteria for both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms

ODD v CD

Feature	ODD	CD
Core Behavior	Defiant, argumentative, angry	Aggressive, violating rights or rules
Onset	Usually earlier	Can start later, often more severe
Aggression	Verbally or emotionally	Physically toward people/animals
Violation of Rights	No	Yes (theft, lying, destruction)
Criminal Behavior	Rare	More common
Empathy	Usually intact	Often impaired

Tx for ASD, ADHD, ODD & CD

Disorder	Treatment Options
Autism	Early intervention (ABA), speech/occupational therapy, structured education, antipsychotics (e.g., risperidone for irritability)
ADHD	Behavioral therapy, stimulants (methylphenidate, amphetamines), non-stimulants (atomoxetine), classroom accommodations
ODD	Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT), family therapy, behavioral interventions
Conduct Disorder	Multisystemic therapy, CBT, family therapy, possible pharmacological support for aggression (rarely first-line)