Clinical characteristics of boys with comorbid autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are frequently comorbid and, as both are defined as neurodevelopmental disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, simultaneous diagnosis is possible. However, despite the frequency of this comorbid state, its endophenotypic features remain unclear. This study thus aimed to describe the behavioral and emotional problems in boys with comorbid ASD and ADHD using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).

Quality of life in mothers of preschoolers with high-functioning pervasive developmental disorders.

Background: Parents of children with pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) are likely to experience serious distress. The aims of this study were to (i) assess distress among mothers of preschoolers with high-functioning PDD (HFPDD); and (ii) examine its relation to the child's behavioral characteristics.

Methods: Participants were 30 mothers of preschoolers with HFPDD, and 30 mothers of a matched control group.

Impact of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder-like symptoms on the clinical features of adolescents with pervasive developmental disorders.

Introduction: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)-like symptoms are common among children and adolescents with Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of ADHD-like symptoms on the clinical features of adolescents with PDD.

Methods: A total of 72 subjects (between the ages of 12 and 17) diagnosed as having PDD were split into higher (ADHD+) and lower (ADHD-) groups according to the presence of ADHD-like symptoms as assessed with the Japanese version of the ADHD Rating Scale-IV (ADHD-RS-IV-J).