In a recent study published in JCPP Advances , researchers examined the associations between neighborhood characteristics and symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among children with developmental delays (DD) and autism. Their findings indicate that autistic youth from poorer neighborhoods show more symptoms of ADHD, highlighting the need to improve and increase resources in these areas to reduce inequalities among children with this common neurodevelopmental condition. Study: Examining the association of neighborhood conditions on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms in autistic youth using the child opportunity index 2.
0 . Image Credit: Studio Romantic/Shutterstock.com Background Researchers believe that between 40% and 70% of autistic children present with elevated ADHD symptoms, which may be linked to poorer treatment responses, higher functional impairment, and higher language, adaptive, social, and conduct-related deficits.
While the influence of genes on ADHD has been established, environmental factors are now thought to play a significant role, and studies have documented the relationship between symptoms of ADHD and family conflict, parenting style, parental distress, and socioeconomic status (SES) of the household and neighborhood. Other neighborhood characteristics, such as fewer amenities, less green space, dilapidated housing, vandalism, and lack of safety and social support, may also have a role to play. However, associations .