Pediatric ADHD & Autism

Thursdays, 8:00 – 9:00 AM

13 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ available

ADHD is one of the most common chronic childhood disorders in the U.S. It is estimated that 11% of children ages 3-17 have a diagnosis of ADHD (Danielson et al, 2024). In 2022, it was estimated that 1 in 42 children in Illinois have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (Shaw et al, 2022). The impact of ADHD and ASD on children is significant.  For example, pediatric ADHD has been shown to have negative impacts on children’s mental health (i.e. depression), physical health (i.e. obesity), and societal outcomes (i.e. academic underachievement, social difficulties) (French et al, 2024). Poverty further increases a child’s risk for ADHD and ASD, with greater prevalence among children living below the poverty level (Reuben and Elgaddal, 2024; Anderson et al, 2020). These same communities, however, often have fewer medical providers equipped to properly diagnose and manage ADHD and ASD.  According to the Illinois Department of Human Services, there is a 9 month to 2- year wait list across the state for ASD diagnostic services including initial diagnosis and re-evaluations with very limited access outside of Chicago (IDHS, 2025). Gaps in treatment have also been noted. A study by Epstein et al. (2014) showed that providers only recommended psychosocial therapies (e.g. therapy, parent training, etc.) to 13% of children diagnosed with ADHD. They also showed that less than half of the children prescribed ADHD medication therapies had a follow-up medical visit or phone call with their provider within the first month of treatment, which is inconsistent with recommended care. This ECHO series will work towards expanding access to high-quality care for pediatric patients with ADHD and/or Autism in IL.

Topics for Case-Based Learning and Discussion Include:

• Introduction to Neurodiversity, ADHD, and ASD
• Making the Diagnosis of ADHD in the Primary Care Practice
• Autism Overview
• Behavioral interventions for ADHD and Common Behavioral Problems
• ADHD Medication Management, Part I: Stimulants
• The Diagnosis of ASD and the role of the Primary Care Provider
• ADHD Medication Management, Part II: Second Line Medications & Complementary Alternative Medicine Interventions
• What to tell the family of a child with a new diagnosis of autism?
• Management of Children and Youth with Disruptive Behaviors and ADHD and/or ASD
• Management of Children and Youth with Learning Problems and ADHD and/or ASD
• Management of Children and Youth with Anxiety and/or Depression and ADHD and/or ASD
• Sleep Problems in Children & Youth with ADHD and/or ASD
• In Summary: Diagnosis & Treatment of ADHD & ASD and Series Wrap Up