CDC estimates indicate that 1 in 54 children in the U.S. is diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum. While most on that spectrum suffer from intellectual disability or borderline cognitive abilities, 44% on this spectrum have average or above average IQ. Those with relatively high IQ face many unique challenges in their schooling, social interactions, and employment. Moreover, about 3/4 of clinically-referred persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) also suffer from significant ADHD-related impairments. Objective of this general session is to provide clinicians with information and strategies to improve clinical understanding, treatment, and support for patients with ADHD/ASD and their families. Methods will include lectures including relevant research data, a variety of case examples and outcomes from various interventions utilized with high IQ patients with ADHD/ASD and their families. Numerous successes and some failures will be reported. Presentations will cover: 1. Review of similarities and differences between ADHD and ASD, review of recent research on genetic heritability as well as quantitative and qualitative similarities and differences. 2. Adaptations of evaluation and treatment approaches for higher IQ children, adolescents and adults with both ADHD and ASD. Case examples will be used to highlight strengths and difficulties of those with high IQ as well as adaptations to help assessment and to sustain effective treatment for executive function impairments related to ADHD. 3. Selection and "fine-tuning" of medications for those with relatively high IQ, ADHD and ASD. Emphasis will be on "sensitive body chemistry" found in many with combined ADHD and ASD and on common comorbidities. Examples of dosing strategies and adaptations for medication will be provided. 4. Strategies for psychosocial support of high IQ children and adolescents with ADHD and their families. The PEERS program developed at UCLA for social skills training of teens and young adults will be described as well as case vignettes for addressing family dynamics and parent-child and sibling conflicts in daily life.

Format

Recorded webinar, non-interactive, self-paced distance learning activity.

This presentation was recorded at the American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting 2022.

Learning Objectives

• Describe unique challenges of those with combined ADHD/ASD and their families.
• Suggest and provide effective psychosocial interventions to support patients with ADHD/ASD, their parents, and other family members
• Describe important similarities and differences between ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder

Target Audience

Psychiatrists

Estimated Time to Complete

Estimated Duration: 90 minutes
Begin Date: April 1, 2023
End Date: April 1, 2026

Physicians

The APA designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit ™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Faculty and Planner Disclosures

The American Psychiatric Association adheres to the ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Medical Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CME activity — including faculty, planners, reviewers or others — are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (commercial interests). All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.

Program Presenters

• Thomas Brown, PHD, Yale University. Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests.
• Ryan Kennedy, DNP, NP-C. Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests.
• Elizabeth Laugeson, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at the UCLA Semel Institute. Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests.

Program Planners

• Jacqueline Maus Feldman, M.D., Chairperson, Scientific Program Committee, Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests.
• Robert O. Cotes, M.D., Vice-Chairperson, Scientific Program Committee, Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests. 
• Uchenna Okeye, M.D., Vice-Chairperson, Scientific Program Committee, Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests. 

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