What is ADHD?

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is a neurobehavioral development disorder. ADHD is defined as a "persistent pattern of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity that is more frequently displayed and more severe than is typically observed in individuals at a comparable level of development." It is the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric disorder in children. It affects about 3% to 5% of children globally with symptoms starting before seven years of age. ADHD is generally a chronic disorder with 30% to 50% of those individuals diagnosed in childhood continuing to have symptoms into adulthood. As they mature, adolescents and adults with ADHD are likely to develop coping mechanisms to compensate for their impairment. Though previously regarded as a childhood diagnosis, ADHD can continue throughout adulthood.

What is autism?

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects the way a person communicates and relates to people around them. People with autism have difficulties with everyday social interaction.

What is Autistic Spectrum Disorder?

Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a relatively new term that includes the subgroups within the spectrum of autism. There are differences between the subgroups within the spectrum and further work is required on defining the criteria, but all children with an ASD share a triad of impairments in their ability to:

• Understand and use non-verbal and verbal communication
• Understand social behaviour which affects their ability to interact with children and adults
• Think and behave flexibly — which may be shown in restricted, obsessional or repetitive activities.

Some children with an ASD have a different perception of sounds, sights, smell, touch and taste, which affects their response to these sensations. They may also have unusual sleep and behaviour patterns and behavioural problems. Children of all levels of ability can have an ASD. In recent years there has been an increase in the number of children and young people identified with autistic spectrum disorders.
 

What is Asperger syndrome?

Asperger syndrome is a form of autism, a condition that affects the way a person communicates and relates to others. People with Asperger syndrome may find difficulty in social relationships and in communicating, and limitations in social imagination and creative play.