Autistic youth who were born in underserved neighborhoods are more likely to have greater attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms than those born in communities with more resources. This is one finding of a new study led by researchers at the UC Davis MIND Institute. This is the first time researchers have investigated how neighborhood factors are associated with ADHD in autistic and non-autistic children.
The study provides new insights into mental health conditions and has the potential to inform public policy changes to improve health equity. It was published in the journal JCPP Advances . We found that some neighborhood factors are strongly related to ADHD symptoms in autistic children.
" Catrina Calub, Study First Author and Postdoctoral Researcher, University of California, Davis "In this study, we didn't find this effect in typically developing kids or in kids with other developmental disabilities, only in the autistic children. It suggests that when autistic kids live in neighborhoods with fewer resources, they tend to have more pronounced ADHD symptoms," Calub said. ADHD symptoms can include higher rates of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.
It is associated with: Challenges in school performance and relationships with friends Lower self-esteem and greater risk for anxiety and depression Higher potential for substance use disorders and accidents Emotional dysregulation and conduct problems Study expands findings from long-term research .