Children with ADHD and Autism Frequently Visit Hospitals and Doctors in their Early Years : health
Children who are later diagnosed with autism and / or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder visit doctors and hospitals more often in their first year of life than unaffected children, suggesting a potential new way to identify conditions early.
Findings from researchers at Duke Health, published online Oct. 19 in the journal Scientific Reports, provide evidence that patterns of healthcare use in a baby’s first year can be gleaned from records electronic medical devices, serving as a roadmap for delivering timely diagnostics and treatment that could improve outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects about 1.5% of children in the United States, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects about 11% of American children.
Symptoms of ADHD are also present in up to 60% of children with ASD. Diagnoses are associated with increased use of health care services, to the detriment of families.
This study proves that children who develop autism and ADHD are on a different path from the start. We know that children with these diagnoses have more interactions with the health care system after being diagnosed, but this indicates that distinct patterns of use begin early in these children’s lives. This could be an opportunity to intervene earlier. ”
Matthew Engelhard, M.D, Ph.D, senior study author and senior research associate, Duke University Medical Center
Children who later turned out to have ADHD underwent more procedures, including blood transfusions, as well as more hospitalizations and more emergency room visits.
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