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Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
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The Hidden Impact of ADHD Symptoms in Preschool Children with Autism: Is There a Link to Somatic and Sleep Disorders?

Dario Esposito1, Katerina Bernardi1, Arianna Belli1

  • 1Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy.

Behavioral Sciences (Basel, Switzerland)
|March 28, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often co-occurs with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sleep disturbances, and gastrointestinal issues. Addressing these comorbidities is vital for improving outcomes in children with ASD.

Area of Science:

  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Pediatric Psychiatry
  • Clinical Psychology

Background:

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) frequently co-occur with sleep and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders.
  • These comorbidities significantly impact the well-being of affected children and their families.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of ADHD symptoms, sleep disturbances, and functional GI symptoms in preschoolers with ASD.
  • To examine the associations between these comorbidities and parental stress.

Main Methods:

  • An anonymous online survey was administered to parents of 46 preschoolers diagnosed with ASD.
  • Standardized questionnaires including SDSC, KL-ASD, APSI, Rome V Criteria, CPRS, and CBCL were utilized.

Main Results:

  • A high prevalence of ADHD symptoms (47%) was observed in preschoolers with ASD.
  • Sleep disturbances were more pronounced in ASD patients with comorbid ADHD.
  • Functional GI symptoms were prevalent (38%) in ASD patients over 4 years old.
  • Parental stress was significantly associated with ADHD symptoms, sleep disorders, and GI symptoms.

Conclusions:

  • The high comorbidity rates of ADHD, sleep, and GI issues in young children with ASD necessitate comprehensive assessment.
  • Integrated treatment strategies addressing core ASD symptoms and associated comorbidities are crucial for enhancing patient and family well-being.

Keywords:
attention deficit hyperactivity disorderautism spectrum disorderfunctional gastrointestinal disordersparental stresspreschool childrenpreschoolerssleep disorderssomatic complaints

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