Attention Deficit Hyperctivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autistic Spectrum Disorder

(ASD) are common disorders in “The Western World”. The usual pattern of diagnosis & management of ADHD & ASD in the UK is described. The increased prevalence of ADHD & ASD in “The Western World ” is said to be due to increased recognition rather than a true increase in their incidence. Speculation is presented that, as the economy improves in India and the assessment of children with behaviour disorders and apparent developmental delay improves, methods of diagnosis of these disorders will improve and many more children will be diagnosed as suffering from ADHD & ASD. ADHD is a common disorder in "The Western World"1. There are estimates that it has a prevalence of 3.6 % in boys and 0.85 % in girls in the UK and an even higher level (8.8%) in the USA. It is characterized by hyperactivity, poor powers of concentration and impulsive behaviour. In the UK whether children present to the health service wit