Brief Report: Pervasive Developmental Disorder Can Evolve into ADHD: Case Illustrations

Abstract

Despite prominent attentional symptoms in Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) the relationship between PDD and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has received little direct examination. In addition, outcome studies of children with PDD often focus on language, educational placement, or adaptive skills, but seldom on loss of the PDD diagnosis or change to another clinical syndrome. We present three cases in detail, and tabular data on eight more, that illustrate a clinical presentation in which prototypical cases of PDD evolve into clear-cut cases of ADHD from early to middle childhood.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms, Adaptive Functioning, and Quality of Life in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

“…Future research may want to address whether differences in parent report of ADHD symptoms at different ages reflects differences in actual child behavior, differences in reporting, or both, particularly given the research suggesting that ASDs can evolve into ADHD in some children. 19 Although the relationships between daily functioning and ASD or ADHD have been examined separately, there have been fewer studies that specifically examined the impact of comorbid ADHD symptoms in children with ASDs. This is likely due, in part, to the longstanding prohibition in the DSM, including the current version, of diagnosing ADHD in children with ASDs.…”

Identification and Evaluation of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

“…6 It is critical that PCPs recognize the early signs of ASDs and be aware of new data that support better outcomes in children whose conditions are diagnosed early and who participate in appropriate intervention programs. [7][8][9][10][11] Because it is a chronic condition, the PCP also needs to feel comfortable with the ongoing care of children with ASDs within the context of the medical home. To support PCPs in the identification and care of children with ASD, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has developed and distributed several documents:…”

“…86,242 Finally, some children may appear to be "hyperactive" and motor driven with an exterior focus of attention and actually meet criteria for comorbid ADHD (although current DSM-IV-TR criteria exclude making the diagnosis of ADHD in the presence of an ASD). 8,240,243 Other children may be hypoactive and withdrawn and have an interior focus of attention. 240 In summary, ASDs are characterized by a broad array of clinical features; some are more specific to ASDs than others (JA deficits versus stereotypies).…”

“…Some may show signs of ADHD, languagebased learning disabilities, or other learning challenges. [8][9][10][11]217 Poorer outcomes are associated with lack of JA by 4 years of age and lack of functional speech by 5 years of age, 7,217 MR, seizures (especially with onset during adolescence), comorbid medical (eg, tuberous sclerosis) or psychiatric (eg, schizophrenia) disorders, and severe autistic symptoms, especially when associated with extreme "aloofness." Factors associated with better out-comes include early identification resulting in early enrollment in appropriate intervention programs 7,332 and successful inclusion in regular educational and community settings with typically developing peers.…”

Atualização sobre comorbidade entre transtorno do déficit de atenção e hiperatividade (TDAH) e transtornos invasivos do desenvolvimento (TID)

“…Conclusion: Although DSM-IV criteria do not allow the diagnosis of this comorbidity, some results suggest that this possibility should not be discarded. , D.;Mattos, P. / Rev. Psiq.…”