The current study examined the association between prenatal pregnancy complications (PPC) and childhood psychiatric symptoms in children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and non-ASD children who were referred to a psychiatric clinic (Controls). Parents completed a "DSM-IV"-referenced rating scale and developmental history questionnaire.…

Three subtypes of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) based on numbers of symptoms of inattention (I) and hyperactivity-impulsivity (HI) were defined in the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (4th ed.) to reduce heterogeneity of the disorder, but the subtypes proved to be highly unstable over time. A continuous…

Neurophysiological studies yield contrary results whether attentional problems of patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are related to early visual processing deficits or not. Evoked gamma-band responses (GBRs), being among the first cortical responses occurring as early as 90 ms after visual stimulation in human EEG, have…

Using data from 123 children (aged 6-12 years) referred consecutively to a pediatric neuropsychiatry clinic by community physicians for assessment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and related problems, we investigated the effects of informant (parent, teacher), tool (interview, rating scale), and method for combining symptom…

This study explored the ability of Systematically Progressive Assessment (SPA), a multiple gating approach for assessing students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), to discriminate between subtypes of ADHD. A total of 48 students with ADHD (ages 6-11) were evaluated with three "gates" of assessment. Logistic regression analysis…

This paper presents a comprehensive review of the literature examining the relationships between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), conduct disorder (CD) and problematic drug use (PDU). The review considers the main debates around the structure and aetiology of ADHD and the main theoretical frameworks offered to explain the…

There is increasing recognition that the externalizing disorders continue into adulthood or cause substantial impairment that may persist into adulthood. These disorders place substantial demands on the health care, education and legal resources and have considerable public health importance. The concept and the nosology of the externalizing…

Several recent court decisions provide ammunition for fighting over-identification of students who have impairments (like Attention Deficit Disorder) but who fail to meet the remaining eligibility requirements under Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act. Distinguishing between Section 504 and IDEA requirements is crucial. (MLH)

Issues concerning evaluation, assessment, and classification of Attention-Deficit Hyperactive Disorders (ADHD) are discussed. The diagnosis of ADHD should be a best-estimate diagnosis, based on a behavioral assessment strategy with multimethod assessment. The selection and use of assessment techniques are discussed. (SLD)

The placement of students in special education or compensatory programs can be justified only when student classification is valid and when the programs have distinctive qualities and show efficacy. Modified classifications, educational teaming, coordinated teacher preparation, and interagency cooperation will hopefully end disjointedness in…

Current research on the basic characteristics of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (childhood hyperactivity) is reviewed, and a critique of the most recent classification system is given. The current definition ignores important distinctions among the attention deficit disorders. Primary symptoms and associated adjustment problems are…