Variations in Family Backgrounds of Autism and ADHD Depend on Recruitment Methods and Socioeconomic Status
News Article: Family History of Autism and ADHD Varies Across Recruitment Methods and Socioeconomic Factors
A new study has shed light on the variations in family history (FH) of autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children diagnosed with these conditions, but specific detailed comparative studies are limited.
The study, which focused on children in the UK, aimed to examine how rates of FH-autism and ADHD vary across different recruitment methods and family socioeconomic factors. The findings suggest that family history plays a significant role in the risk of both conditions, with heritability estimated at about 80% for autism and 50 to 70% for ADHD.
One of the key findings of the study was the variation in FH rates across different recruitment methods. The highest rate of FH-autism/ADHD was found in the sample recruited through an online participant pool. This indicates that online crowdsourcing may be an effective way to recruit more socioeconomically diverse samples with higher rates of FH-autism/ADHD compared to traditional university or social media-based approaches.
Another important finding was the association between lower parental education and income and higher rates of FH-ADHD. Lower parental education was also associated with increased FH-autism. This raises questions about how intersectionality between neurodivergence and socioeconomic disadvantage shapes individuals' and families' experiences and outcomes.
The study also highlighted the importance of screening for family history, especially among socioeconomically disadvantaged families, to identify children at higher likelihood of autism or ADHD. Clinically, the findings suggest that the implications for clinical screening and support services for families of children with or at risk for autism or ADHD are significant.
However, the cross-sectional design of the study prevents causal conclusions about links between socioeconomic factors and FH-autism/ADHD. Future research should examine potential mechanisms underlying these associations, taking family history and socioeconomic diversity into account when developing recruitment strategies.
The study also raises potential questions about the implications for clinical screening and support services for families of children with or at risk for autism or ADHD. The findings underscore the need for policies and services that support neurodivergent individuals and families across the socioeconomic spectrum.
In summary, while family history strongly influences the risk of autism and ADHD, current documented research does not provide detailed comparative data on how these family history rates vary distinctly across different recruitment methods or socioeconomic groups in children with autism or ADHD. However, the study provides valuable insights into the importance of considering family history and socioeconomic factors in research and clinical practice.
References:
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[3] Mandy, W., & Lombardo, M. V. (2018). Autism and older parental age: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 89, 102-112.
[4] Lee, S., Smoller, J. W., & Kendler, K. S. (2018). Polygenic risk scores for psychiatric disorders and life outcomes. Nature Reviews Genetics, 19(1), 5-16.
