The extent to which the phenotype of children comorbid for velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) differs from that of VCFS-only has not been studied. The sample consisted of 41 children (20 females) with VCFS, ranging in age from 6.5 years to 15.8 years. Eight children with VCFS met formal DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for autism based upon the ADI-R. These eight plus an additional nine participants met diagnostic criteria for an autistic spectrum disorder (VCFS + ASD). Ninety-four percent of the children with VCFS + ASD had a co-occurring psychiatric disorder while 60% of children with VCFS had a psychiatric disorder. Children with VCFS + ASD had larger right amygdala volumes. All other neuroanatomic regions of interest were statistically similar between the two groups.

Children with a high IQ and ADHD showed a pattern of familiality as well as cognitive, psychiatric and behavioral features consistent with the diagnosis of ADHD in children with average IQ. These data suggest that the diagnosis of ADHD is valid among high IQ children.

To determine if the American Academy of Pediatrics Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) guidelines require tailoring for different settings, the researchers used a mixed-method research design to review an ADHD quality improvement effort in community clinics and private offices in San Diego County. Clinically, no differences were noted in rates of ADHD in the two settings. Children in community clinics (58.3%) were more likely to report public insurance (p<.001), diverse ethnic backgrounds (p=.003), low household incomes (p<.001), single parent households (p=.009), and to screen positive for Oppositional Defiant Disorder/Conduct Disorder (p=.027). They were also more likely to have experienced socio-environmental stressors (p<.001) including foster care, homelessness, parental drug use, and domestic violence. No differences were noted by treatment received at 12 months post-evaluation by office type. Open-ended interviews with clinicians confirmed these findings and revealed a need for tailoring of implementation strategies to more closely fit the needs of children and families cared for in public sector settings.

The best predictors of parent report of behavioural symptoms in children with VCFS were poor concordance between parent and child temperament across general activity level and mood domains.