Tue Oct 15 06:50:30 UTC 2024: ## Spanish Study Finds High Rate of Autism and ADHD Co-occurrence in Children
**Tarragona, Spain** – A recent study conducted in Spain has revealed a significant co-occurrence of autism and ADHD in schoolchildren. Researchers from the Neurodevelopmental Disorders Epidemiological Research Project (EPINED) found that approximately 3% of children exhibited symptoms of both disorders, with an estimated 0.5% likely to receive a formal diagnosis of both.
The study, published in Autism Research, examined data from over 3,700 children aged 4-5 and 10-11. Parents and teachers reported on the children’s behaviors, allowing researchers to assess the presence of autism and ADHD symptoms.
“The prevalence of autism and ADHD co-occurrence is significantly higher than previously thought, especially among boys,” explained lead author Josefa Canals. “This finding highlights the need for early screening and intervention for both conditions in both school and family settings.”
The study also found that 33% of children diagnosed with autism also had ADHD, and 10% of children with ADHD had autism. This suggests a complex interplay between the two conditions, with potential shared underlying mechanisms.
While this research provides valuable insights into the prevalence of co-occurring autism and ADHD in Spain, the authors acknowledge the limitations of their study. The research was conducted in a single province, and the findings may not be representative of other regions. Further research is needed to explore the co-occurrence of these conditions in different populations and to better understand the factors influencing this complex relationship.
First Piper 