ADHD Therapy for Autism at Cadabam's Child Development Center
When your child shows signs of both Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), daily routines can feel overwhelming. At Cadabams CDC, we specialize in ADHD therapy for autism, combining the latest research with compassionate, family-focused care that turns challenges into growth opportunities.
Understanding ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder Co-occurrence
Prevalence and Statistics
Recent studies show that 30–50% of children with autism also meet criteria for ADHD, yet many families struggle to find a single program that addresses both conditions. This overlap is not rare—it's the rule rather than the exception.
- Dual diagnosis is four times more common in boys than in girls.
- Early identification before age six leads to stronger long-term outcomes.
- Integrated interventions can reduce core symptoms by up to 40% within 12 months.
Diagnostic Challenges
Traditional assessment tools may miss subtle signs when both disorders coexist. At Cadabams CDC, our clinicians look for:
- Repetitive behaviors that intensify when attention is redirected.
- Hyperfocus on restricted interests rather than typical inattentiveness.
- Sensory-seeking actions that resemble hyperactivity.
Unique Symptoms Presentation
Children with co-occurring ADHD and autism often display:
| Typical ADHD | Typical Autism | Overlapping Presentation |
|---|---|---|
| Impulsivity | Restricted interests | Interrupting others to talk about special interests |
| Distractibility | Sensory overload | Difficulty shifting attention away from sensory stimuli |
| Excessive movement | Repetitive motions | “Stimming” that increases when tasks demand sustained focus |
Our Specialized Approach to ADHD Autism Therapy
Comprehensive Assessment Process
We begin with a 360-degree evaluation that blends parent interviews, teacher reports, and standardized tools such as the ADOS-2 and Conners-4. Our process includes:
- Developmental history review
- Cognitive and language testing
- Sensory profile analysis
- Classroom observation (virtual or in-person)
Individualized Treatment Plans
No two children are the same. Each plan at Cadabams CDC is built around:
- SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
- Strength-based strategies—leveraging your child’s interests to build skills.
- Regular review meetings every eight weeks to adjust targets.
Multidisciplinary Team Approach
Our experts collaborate daily:
- Child psychologists design behavior plans.
- Occupational therapists tackle sensory challenges.
- Speech-language pathologists enhance communication.
- Special educators align interventions with school curricula.
Evidence-Based Treatment Modalities
Behavioral Interventions for Co-occurring Disorders
We combine Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Parent Management Training (PMT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) adapted for neurodivergent minds.
- Token economies to reinforce on-task behavior.
- Visual schedules that reduce transition anxiety.
- Self-monitoring apps for older children to track attention spans.
Medication Management Considerations
When appropriate, our developmental pediatricians prescribe:
- Stimulants like methylphenidate, starting at low doses.
- Non-stimulants such as atomoxetine for children sensitive to stimulants.
- Regular growth, sleep, and appetite monitoring every four weeks. Parent Tip: Keep a daily log of mood, appetite, and sleep for the first six weeks—this data guides dosage adjustments.
Social Skills Training Programs
Groups of 4–6 children meet weekly to practice:
- Turn-taking during preferred activities.
- Reading facial cues through video modeling.
- Conflict-resolution scripts.
Parent Training and Support Groups
Our 8-week program equips caregivers with:
- De-escalation techniques for meltdowns.
- Strategies to build homework routines.
- A WhatsApp group moderated by clinicians for real-time advice.
Age-Specific Programs
Early Intervention (2–6 years)
- Play-based therapy that embeds attention tasks into sensory bins and art projects.
- Parent coaching twice a week to generalize skills at home.
- Kindergarten readiness assessments at age five.
School-Age Program (6–12 years)
- After-school sessions focused on executive-function skills: planning, organization, and working memory.
- Collaboration with teachers for IEP/504 plan support.
- Monthly “lunch-and-learn” webinars for educators.
Adolescent Services (13–18 years)
- Peer mentorship pairs teens with trained young adults on the spectrum.
- Career-interest inventories to align therapy goals with future aspirations.
- Mindfulness modules to manage academic stress.
Family-Centered Care Framework
Parent Education Sessions
- Quarterly workshops on topics like “Navigating Puberty with Dual Diagnosis.”
- Take-home kits with visual aids and reward charts.
- Recordings available for parents who miss live sessions.
Sibling Support Programs
- Monthly art-therapy circles for brothers and sisters aged 7–14.
- “Ask Me Anything” panels where siblings share experiences.
- Resource list of age-appropriate books and videos.
School Collaboration Services
- In-class observations by our special educators.
- Teacher-training modules on classroom accommodations.
- Quick-reference guides for substitute teachers.
Success Stories and Outcomes
Case Study: Improved Focus and Social Skills
Rohan, age 9, entered Cadabams CDC with daily classroom outbursts. After six months of combined ABA and low-dose medication:
- Attention span during math tasks increased from 3 to 12 minutes.
- Peer interactions rose from solitary play to cooperative Lego projects.
- Parent stress scores dropped by 35% on standardized scales.
Parent Testimonials
“The team never treated my daughter’s challenges like a checklist. They celebrated her love for dinosaurs and used it to teach patience and turn-taking.” —Anita R., mother of 7-year-old Kiara
Measurable Progress Metrics
- 87% of families report improved family outings within four months.
- Average decrease of 1.8 in ADHD-RS scores after 12 weeks.
- 95% school-reintegration success rate post-program.