ADHD/ASD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a condition where there are difficulties with attention, impulsiveness and hyperactivity.  This does not present the same in boy as it does in girls, so it may go unrecognised for several reasons.  Information is needed from more than one area to fulfill the DSM-5 criteria for diagnosis.

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a condition with a broad range of presenting features and severity which also presents differently in boys and girls.  The assessment for ASD can be straightforward, but in many cases requires information from multiple sources such as teachers, speech language therapists, paediatric occupational therapists, dietitians and psychologists.  There can be co-existing conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, giftedness, auditory and sensory processing issues among others that may need to be explored.

Pam works with a number of professionals working with children and young people including paediatric occupational therapists, speech language therapists, dietitians, psychologists.  

The diagnosis of ASD covers a wide range of presentations.  Essentially ASD it is a developmental disorder characterised by challenges in social interaction and communication with restricted or repetitive thoughts or behaviours.  The incidence of this condition is increasing with increased awareness among other issues.

The diagnostic process may not be the same for all, as some will need occupational therapy, dietitian or speech language therapy assessment.  Not all will require a psychology review.  All require a medical review to rule out associated or contributing conditions.  The DSM5 is the diagnostic criteria used to make the diagnosis of ASD.  Given the complexity, the need for multi-disciplinary assessment is the gold standard.  

ADHD and ASD can co-exist.  ASD overlaps with many other conditions including anxiety, giftedness, developmental co-ordination disorder and sensory integration issues.