Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Medicaid-Enrolled Autistic Adults
Key Points
Question How prevalent is co-occurring attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among autistic adults and is it associated with negative health outcomes?
Findings In this cohort study that included more than 3.5 million adults, co-occurring ADHD was elevated among autistic adults compared with the random national sample. Co-occurring ADHD was associated with worse health outcomes, and prescriptions for ADHD medications were generally associated with better health outcomes.
Meaning These findings suggest that co-occurring ADHD persists to a greater degree in autistic adults than the general Medicaid-enrolled population, and treatment of ADHD may impact health.