Ah, developmental pediatrics! This is such a high-yield area, especially for those tricky "milestones vs. behavior" questions that love to pop up in exams. Let's dive into the big three: ADHD, Autism, and Learning Disabilities. I'll start by pulling up some great lessons to get us grounded.

To help you lock in those diagnostic criteria and management steps, I've found some flashcards that are perfect for quick review.

Visuals really help with these topics, especially when you're trying to differentiate between them. Let me find a good comparison table or diagnostic flowchart for you.

Here is a helpful visual to help you keep these conditions straight in your head.

That Venn diagram is a lifesaver for exams! It really highlights how much overlap there is in executive function and sensory processing.

Let's break down the high-yield "must-knows" for each of these:

1. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is the most common neurobehavioral disorder of childhood. The classic triad is Inattention, Hyperactivity, and Impulsivity.

• DSM-5 Criteria:
  • Symptoms must be present in 2 or more settings (e.g., home and school).
  • Symptoms must appear before age 12.
  • Requires 6 or more symptoms (for children up to age 16).
• Management:
  • First-line (Pharmacotherapy): Stimulants like Methylphenidate (increases dopamine/NE in the prefrontal cortex).
  • Non-stimulant option: Atomoxetine (Selective NE reuptake inhibitor).
  • Behavioral Therapy: Essential, especially for younger children.

2. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

The core of ASD is a deficit in social communication and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior.

• Early Red Flags:
  • Lack of joint attention (not pointing to show things to others).
  • Poor eye contact and delayed speech.
  • Stimming (repetitive movements like hand-flapping).
• Screening: The M-CHAT (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers) is typically done at 18 and 24 months.
• Management: Early intervention with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and speech/occupational therapy.

3. Learning Disabilities (LD)

These are specific impairments in academic skills despite normal or near-normal intelligence (IQ).

• Dyslexia: Difficulty with reading/spelling (most common).
• Dyscalculia: Difficulty with math/numbers.
• Dysgraphia: Difficulty with writing/fine motor skills.

Rezzy's High-Yield Tip: If a question mentions a child who is "smart but failing school" and has "trouble sitting still," think ADHD. If they "don't play with others" and "obsess over train schedules," think Autism.

Would you like to try a quick game to see if you can differentiate these in a clinical scenario? I can set up a Clinical Rounds case for you!