Normal Email A Friend Attention, Concentration and Autism
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Description
Some people with autism spectrum disorders are reported to have higher or lower levels of attention and concentration than other people.
We are currently researching this subject to identify the nature and scope of the issue and to determine which interventions, if any, could be effective in alleviating any problems identified.
If you are aware of any research on, or you have any personal experience of, this issue please email info@researchautism.net Thank you.
Conditions
Asperger SyndromeAutism (Autistic Disorder)Autism Spectrum DisordersPervasive Developmental Disorder (Not Otherwise Specified)Research
- Bradley EA, Isaacs BJ. (2006). Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity in teenagers with intellectual disabilities, with and without autism. Can J Psychiatry, 51(9), pp. 598-606. Read Abstract
- Gadow, K., DeVincent, C., and Pomeroy, J. (2006). ADHD symptom subtypes in children with pervasive developmental disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 36(2), pp. 271-283. Read Abstract
- Gadow K.D., DeVincent C.J., Schneider J. (2009). Comparative study of children with ADHD only, autism spectrum disorder + ADHD, and chronic multiple tic disorder + ADHD. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 12(5), pp. 474-485. Read Abstract
- Johnson K.A. et al. (2007). Dissociation in performance of children with ADHD and high-functioning autism on a task of sustained attention. Neuropsychologia, 45(10), pp. 2234-2245. Read Abstract
- Kaland N, Smith L, Mortensen EL. (2007). Brief report: Cognitive flexibility and focused attention in children and adolescents with Asperger syndrome or high-functioning autism as measured on the computerized version of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. J Autism Dev Disord. [Epub ahead of print]. Read Abstract
- Montes G, Halterman JS. (2007). Bullying among children with autism and the influence of comorbidity with ADHD: A population-based study. Ambul Pediatr, 7(3), pp. 253-257. Read Abstract
- Nijmeijer J.S. et al. (2007). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and social dysfunctioning. Clin Psychol Rev, [Epub ahead of print] Read Abstract
- Reiersen, A.M. et al. (2007). Autistic traits in a population-based ADHD twin sample. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 48(5), pp. 464–472. Read Abstract
- Reiersen AM, Todd RD. (2008). Co-occurrence of ADHD and autism spectrum disorders: phenomenology and treatment. Expert Rev Neurother, 8(4), pp. 657-669. Read Abstract
- Reiersen AM, Constantino JN, Todd RD. (2008). Co-occurrence of motor problems and autistic symptoms in attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry, 47(6), pp. 662-672. Read Abstract
- Sinzig J, Morsch D, Lehmkuhl G. (2007). Do hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention have an impact on the ability of facial affect recognition in children with autism and ADHD? Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry, [Epub ahead of print]. Read Abstract
- Sinzig J, Lehmkuhl G. (2007). What do we know about the serotonergic genetic heterogeneity in attention-deficit/hyperactivity and autistic disorders? Psychopathology, 40(5), pp. 329-37. Read Abstract
- Sinzig J. et al. [Epub ahead of print]. Inhibition, flexibility, working memory and planning in autism spectrum disorders with and without comorbid ADHD-symptoms. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health, 2(1), p. 4. Read Abstract
- Thede, L., Coolidge, F. (2007). Psychological and neurobehavioral comparisons of children with Asperger’s disorder versus high-functioning autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 37(5), pp. 847-854. Read Abstract
- Young RL, Nettelbeck T. (1995). The abilities of a musical savant and his family. J Autism Dev Disord, 25(3), pp. 231-248. Read Abstract
Reading
- National Autistic Society. (200?). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. London: NAS. Read Full item
Interventions
Scientific evidence for interventions
There are some studies published in peer-reviewed journals which appear to show that some interventions, including some of those listed below, may be effective in improving attention and concentration in some individuals with autism.
However there is also some evidence to show that some interventions, such as citalopram and clonidine, may actually decrease attention and concentration in some individuals with autism.
Please see Autism and Attention Intervention Studies for a list of those studies.
Anecdotal reports for interventions
There are some anecdotal reports that other interventions, including some of those listed below, may be effective for some individuals.
Further information
Please click on the names of the interventions below to find out more about those interventions.
The fact that an intervention is listed below does not necessarily mean that we agree that it is effective for people with autism.
Animal Therapies and AutismAnti-Convulsants and AutismAnti-Depressants and AutismAnti-Fungal Drugs, Supplements and AutismAnti-Psychotics and AutismApplied Behavioural Analysis and AutismAtomoxetine and AutismChelation and AutismCholinesterase Inhibitors and AutismComputer Applications and AutismDIR Method and AutismDiscrete Trial Training and AutismDolphin Therapy and AutismDonepezil and AutismFeingold Diet and AutismFenfluramine and AutismGalantamine and AutismHippotherapy and AutismLamotrigine and AutismLevetiracetam and AutismMassage and AutismMethylphenidate and AutismNeurofeedback Training and AutismOccupational Therapy and AutismOlanzapine and AutismOpioid Antagonists and AutismPicture Exchange Communication System and AutismQuetiapine and AutismRelationship Development Intervention and AutismRisperidone and AutismSensory Integrative Therapy and AutismSpecial Diets and AutismSpecific Carbohydrate Diet and AutismStimulant Medication and AutismVenlafaxine and AutismVisual Schedules and AutismVitamin A and AutismWeighted Items and AutismYeast-Free Diets and AutismIntervention Studies
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Abanilla P.K. et al. (2005). The use of psychostimulants in pervasive developmental disorders. Psychiatric Quarterly. 76(3), pp. 271-281. Read Abstract (New Window)
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Aman M.G., Hollway J.A., Arnold L.E.(2008). Treatment of inattention, overactivity, and impulsiveness in autism spectrum disorders. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 17(4), pp. 713-738. Read Abstract (New Window)
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Hazell P.(2007). Drug therapy for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder-like symptoms in autistic disorder. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health. 43(1-2), pp. 19-24. Read Abstract (New Window)
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Kidd P.M.(2002). Autism, an extreme challenge to integrative medicine. Part II: medical management. Alternative Medicine Review. 7(6), pp. 472-499. Read Abstract (New Window) Read Full Item (New Window)
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Levy S.E., Hyman S.(2008). Complementary and alternative medicine treatments for children with autism spectrum disorders. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 17(4), pp. 803-820. Read Abstract (New Window) Read Full Item (New Window)
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Morrison E.E.(2007). A review of research on the use of weighted vests with children on the autism spectrum. Education. 127(3), pp. 323-327. Read Abstract (New Window)
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Myers S.M., Johnson C.P., American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Children With Disabilities(2007). Management of children with autism spectrum disorders. Pediatrics. 120(5), pp. 1162-1182. Read Abstract (New Window) Read Full Item (New Window)
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Posey D.J. et al. (2008). Antipsychotics in the treatment of autism. Journal of Clinical Investigation. 118(1), pp. 6-14. Read Abstract (New Window) Read Full Item (New Window)
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Santosh P.J., Baird G.(2001). Pharmacotherapy of target symptoms in autistic spectrum disorders. Indian Pediatrics. 68(5), pp. 427-431. Read Abstract (New Window)
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Stephenson J., Carter M.(2009). The use of weighted vests with children with autism spectrum disorders and other disabilities. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 39(1), pp. 105-114. Read Abstract (New Window)
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Thompson L., Thompson M., Reid A.(2010). Neurofeedback outcomes in clients with Asperger's syndrome Applied Psychophysiological and Biofeedback. 35(1), pp. 63-81. Read Abstract (New Window)
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Tsai L.(1999). Psychopharmacology in autism. Psychosomatic Medicine. 61(5), pp. 651-665. Read Abstract (New Window) Read Full Item (New Window)
Keywords
Active ADHD Attention Concentrate Concentration Deficit Hyperactive Impulse Impulsive
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