Child psychiatry: ADHD, autism spectrum disorder and learning disabilities

Ask Rezzy/Child psychiatry: ADHD, autism spectrum disorder and learning disabilities

Rezzy

Child psychiatry is such a high-yield area for NEET-PG and INI-CET, especially when it comes to neurodevelopmental disorders. These topics often overlap between Pediatrics and Psychiatry, so getting a solid grip on them is a double win for your prep!

Let me pull up some of the best lessons we have on ADHD, Autism, and Learning Disabilities to get you started.

📚 Child Psychiatry Lessons

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Neurodevelopmental disorders (ADHD, autism)

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Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

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Learning disorders

It's really common to see these conditions presented as clinical vignettes in exams. For instance, you might get a case of a child who can't sit still in class (ADHD) versus one who has trouble with social cues and repetitive behaviors (ASD).

I'm going to grab a diagnostic comparison table for you to help keep these straight, and I'll also look for a visual aid on the core symptoms.

That image gives a great breakdown of the ADHD criteria—remember, symptoms must be present in two or more settings (like home and school) and start before age 12 for a diagnosis.

ADHD Clinical Features and Treatment

To help you differentiate these three big topics, I've put together a quick comparison table for you.

Feature	ADHD	Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)	Learning Disabilities (LD)
Core Deficit	Attention, Impulse control, Hyperactivity	Social communication, Repetitive behaviors/interests	Specific academic skill (Reading, Writing, Math)
Onset	Before age 12	Early developmental period (usually <3 years)	School-age (when academic demands increase)
Social Interaction	May be poor due to impulsivity/inattention	Fundamental lack of social-emotional reciprocity	Usually normal, unless secondary to frustration
Communication	Talkative, interrupts, shifts topics	Delayed speech, echolalia, literal interpretation	Specific to the disability (e.g., phonological awareness)
First-line Tx	Stimulants (Methylphenidate) + Behavioral therapy	Behavioral/Educational therapy (Applied Behavior Analysis)	Specialized educational interventions (IEP)

That table should help you keep the core differences clear. Here are a few more high-yield "must-knows" for your exams:

ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

Diagnosis: Requires symptoms in two or more settings (e.g., home and school) for at least 6 months.
Treatment:
- Stimulants (e.g., Methylphenidate) are first-line. Watch for side effects like appetite suppression and insomnia.
- Non-stimulants (e.g., Atomoxetine) are used if stimulants aren't tolerated or if there's a risk of substance abuse.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Core Triad: Deficits in social communication, social interaction, and restricted/repetitive patterns of behavior.
Early Signs: Lack of joint attention, poor eye contact, and delayed speech.
Management: Early behavioral intervention (like ABA therapy) is key.

Learning Disabilities (Specific Learning Disorders)

Dyslexia: Difficulty with word recognition and decoding (reading).
Dyscalculia: Difficulty with number sense and math facts.
Dysgraphia: Difficulty with spelling, grammar, and handwriting.
Key Point: These are diagnosed when academic achievement is significantly below what's expected for the child's age and IQ.

Would you like to test your knowledge with a quick quiz on these topics, or should I pull up some flashcards for active recall?

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