Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults with intellectual disability

Abstract

The field of neurodevelopmental disorders is an exciting one in clinical practice. People with intellectual disability are more likely to have associated neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and attention hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The current practice of diagnosis and management of ADHD in people with intellectual disability is based on findings from assessment and treatments in the general population. People with intellectual disability often have additional comorbid disorders that may conceal or exacerbate the signs of ADHD and, for this reason, treatments applicable in the general population may not always be appropriate in treating a person with intellectual disability. To fill this gap in knowledge and practice, this College Report on ADHD in adults with intellectual disability is very welcome and timely when so much more is understood about ADHD in general. The challenge for clinicians in supporting people with intellectual disability and ADHD is to deliver the best care based on good evidence on the effectiveness of assessment processes and treatments. This report brings together the current evidence as applied in people with intellectual disabilities and it benefits from the expertise and knowledge of clinicians, built over years of experience working with people with intellectual disabilities. The evidence base will grow from more original research on ADHD in intellectual disability to understand how the disorder manifests in people with intellectual disability. The report will prove to be a valuable resource to clinicians and services in applying evidence to support and treat ADHD in people with intellectual disability.