• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Cerebral Palsy Guidance

Answers and Assistance

877-862-8594phone iconCall
  • Cerebral Palsy
    • Types
    • Symptoms
    • Diagnosis
    • Prognosis
    • Causes
    • Associated Disorders
    • Gross Motor Classification System
    • Treatment
    • Life Expectancy
    • Myths
    • Risk Factors
    • Support Groups
    • Research
    • United Cerebral Palsy Association
    • Birth Injury Overview
  • Living With Cerebral Palsy
    • Daily Communication
    • Physical Fitness
    • Toilet Training Tips
    • Eating and Feeding Tips
    • Wheelchairs and Scooters
    • Walkers, Canes, and Standers
    • Falling Issues
    • Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
    • Conductive Education
    • Tips For Better Sleeping
    • Traveling Tips
    • Sports
    • Bullying
    • Inclusive Playgrounds
    • Respite Care
    • Transitioning to Adulthood
    • Vocational Counseling
    • College Guide
    • Finding a Job
    • Having Children
    • Costs
  • Financial Assistance
    • Government Assistance
    • Special Education Assistance
    • Cerebral Palsy Lawyer
    • Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit
  • Our Blog
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
Kid playing in leaves
Home > Cerebral Palsy > Cerebral Palsy Associated Disorders > Cerebral Palsy and ADHD
Last Updated: August 23, 2022

Cerebral Palsy and ADHD

Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Sarah Schulze, RN, CPNP
Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Sarah Schulze, RN, CPNP

This article has been fact checked by a Board Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Sources of information for the article are listed at the bottom.

For any content issues please Contact Us.

Children with cerebral palsy often have several co-existing conditions, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD causes inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsive behaviors. Treatments include therapy and medications and are effective for many children.

What Is ADHD?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), ADHD is considered a brain disorder characterized by chronic inattentiveness, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity that can interfere with daily tasks and functioning.[1] Some children have problems with poor focus, while others have issues with hyperactivity. Some children have symptoms from both categories.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that in 2011, around 11% of children, 4-17 years of age in the U.S. were diagnosed with ADHD. About 19% of children who have cerebral palsy also have ADHD.[2]

The most common signs and symptoms of ADHD include:

Inattentiveness

  • Overlooking details
  • Making careless errors
  • Failure to listen when someone is speaking
  • Easily distracted
  • Constantly losing things, such as homework, school supplies, etc.
  • Failure to finish schoolwork, household chores, or other tasks
  • Difficulties in organizing tasks and activities
  • Difficulties remembering important dates and turning in homework

Impulsiveness and Hyperactivity

  • Fidgeting around while seated
  • Constantly moving around
  • Feeling restless
  • Frequently interrupts conversations, games, or activities
  • Trouble waiting their turn
  • Jumping up from seat during class time or other times when being seated is expected

Several risk factors contribute to children developing ADHD. However, scientists and researchers are still unsure of exactly what causes it.

Possible risk factors include genetics, environmental toxin exposure during pregnancy, drinking, smoking during pregnancy, low birth weight, and brain injuries.

Boys tend to develop ADHD more than girls, but girls that do develop ADHD, generally have issues with inattention. They’re less likely to be hyperactive and impulsive.

Treatment Options

There are several treatment options available that have proven beneficial to many children with ADHD. Since each child is different, it’s always important to determine the best treatment plan by consulting with your child’s physician and other medical experts.

Behavioral Therapy

The first line of treatment for ADHD is typically behavioral therapy. It’s a form of psychotherapy that focuses on helping children change behavior patterns that hinder their success at home, school, and among friends and peers.

Behavioral therapists aim to teach children with ADHD how to focus on their own actions and behavior and how to praise themselves when they’ve acted appropriately in situations where they would usually be disruptive or inattentive.

Another form of behavioral therapy, known as cognitive behavioral therapy, incorporates meditation techniques to teach patients how to be aware of their actions while accepting their thoughts and feelings.

In some cases, according to studies, cognitive and behavioral therapy, in the long run, can be more beneficial than medication.[3]

Other forms of therapy and counseling options include family therapy, support groups, and mental health classes specializing in stress management techniques.

Medications

Select medications can be helpful in some children by helping them control impulsiveness and inattentiveness, reduce outbursts, and assist them with staying on task. As with most prescription medications, however, there are side effects. Discuss this issue with your child’s pediatrician before starting any medications.

Stimulant medications are often prescribed to children with ADHD because they increase the brain’s dopamine and help with attention span and thinking issues. According to the CDC, it’s the most commonly prescribed medicine for children with ADHD.[4]

Doctors might prescribe non-stimulant medications when stimulants fail to work. A non-stimulant drug generally takes longer to work when compared to stimulants. Once it starts working, it can help improve attention, impulsiveness, and focus, while helping decrease hyperactivity.

In some instances, physicians may prescribe anti-depressant medications to children with ADHD as anxiety and depression are common comorbidities of ADHD, and treating those symptoms can improve overall functioning.

Cerebral Palsy and ADHD Link

A few studies have found a link between ADHD, cerebral palsy, and autism. One study, which researched 700 children in Norway, indicated that close to 13% of the children in the study who have cerebral palsy also had ADHD. Around 17% had both autism and ADHD.

Pål Surén, MD, MPH, of the Center for Pediatric Epidemiology (one of the researchers in the study), said the findings showed that boys were at a higher risk of developing CP and ADHD or autism compared to girls.[5]

“The findings demonstrate the significant burden of disease associated with neurologic and neurodevelopmental disorders in children, and that this burden is disproportionately skewed towards boys.”

More studies are needed to figure out exactly why and how children with CP are more prone to develop ADHD or autism. Additional studies are currently underway.

Prognosis

There is no cure for ADHD, nor is there a cure for cerebral palsy. However, finding the right treatment, which may take a bit of trial and error, has been shown to increase the quality of many children’s lives significantly.

Lifelong Financial Assistance for Your Child's Birth InjuryCerebral Palsy

Get Help Now

References

  1. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. (n.d.). NIMH. The National Institute of Mental Health.
    Retrieved from: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/index.shtml
  2. Data and Statistics About ADHD. (2019, October 15). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
    Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html
  3. SciCurious. (2012, May 15). Not-So-Quick Fix: ADHD Behavioral Therapy May Be More Effective Than Drugs in Long Run. Scientific American.
    Retrieved from: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/adhd-behavioral-therapy-more-effective-drugs-long-term/
  4. Treatment of ADHD. (2019, October 8). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
    Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/treatment.html
  5. Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Epilepsy, and Cerebral Palsy in Norwegian Children. (2012, July 1). American Academy of Pediatrics.
    Retrieved from: https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/130/1/e152?sso=1&sso_redirect_count=1&nfstatus=401&nftoken=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000&nfstatusdescription=ERROR%3a+No+local+token
View All References
Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Sarah Schulze, RN, CPNP

Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Sarah Schulze, RN, CPNP

Sarah Schulze, RN, CPNP is a Board Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She has extensive experience working with pediatric patients in primary care as well as adolescent mental health.

See Full Bio

Secondary Sidebar

Lifelong Financial Assistance for Your Child's Birth InjuryCerebral Palsy

Get Help Now
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy in Newborns
Cerebral Palsy in Toddlers
Severe Cerebral Palsy
Types of Cerebral Palsy
Ataxic
Atonic (Hypotonic)
Dyskinetic Athetoid
Dystonic
Hypertonic
Mixed
Non-Spastic
Spastic
Spastic Diplegia
Spastic Hemiplegia
Spastic Quadriplegia
Cerebral Palsy Symptoms
How Cerebral Palsy Affects the Brain and Body Parts
Cerebral Palsy Causes
Birth Asphyxia
Prolonged Labor
Delayed C-Section
Forceps Delivery Injuries
Vacuum Extractor Injuries
Nuchal Cord Birth Injuries
Uterine Rupture and Birth Injury
Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH)
Failure to Diagnose
Chorioamnionitis
Improper NICU Care
Traumatic Brain Injury
Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
Hydrocephalus
Pitocin Errors
Anesthesia Errors
Infertility Drugs
Cerebral Dysgenesis and Cerebral Palsy
Jaundice
Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL)
Placental Problems
Epidural Hematoma
Perinatal Stroke
Acquired Brain Injuries and Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy Associated Disorders
Mobility Issues
Pain
Cognitive Issues
Developmental Delays
Cerebral Palsy and Post-Impairment Syndrome
Seizures
Epilepsy
Malnutrition
Respiratory Health
Hearing Problems
Vision Impairment
Arthritis
Depression
Sleep Issues
Dysphagia
Oral Health Issues
Skin Conditions
Digestive Issues and Health
Emotional Issues
Behavioral Disorders
Autism
Down Syndrome
ADHD
Diabetes
Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis
Imaging Tests
Cerebral Palsy Prognosis
Cerebral Palsy Gross Motor Classification System
Cerebral Palsy Treatment
Cerebral Palsy Specialists
Nutrition Therapy
Chiropractic Care
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Medications
Seizure Medications
Anticonvulsants
Muscle Relaxants
Stem Cell Therapy
Surgery
Aquatic Therapy
Acupuncture Therapy
Botox Treatment
Hippotherapy
Occupational Therapy
Speech Therapy
Massage Therapy
Physical Therapy
Homeopathy
Yoga
Pilates
Intensive Suit Therapy
Medical Marijuana
Functional Electrical Stimulation
Osteopathic Manipulation
Anat Baniel Method and NeuroMovement
Pet Therapy
Cerebral Palsy Cure
Cerebral Palsy Life Expectancy
Cerebral Palsy Risk Factors
High-Risk Pregnancy
Risk Factor Causal Pathways
Premature Birth
Birth Complications
Post-term Pregnancy
Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Maternal and Fetal Infections
Blood Type Incompatibility
Multiple Births
Parental Habits and Health
Cerebral Palsy Support Groups and Organizations
Cerebral Palsy Research
Cerebral Palsy History
Facts and Statistics
Prevalence and Incidence
Cerebral Palsy Myths
Cerebral Palsy Prevention
Cerebral Palsy Misdiagnosis
United Cerebral Palsy Association
Living With Cerebral Palsy
Costs
Orthopedic Health
Neurological Health
Daily Communication
Physical Fitness
Abuse
Toilet Training Tips
Eating and Feeding Tips
Wheelchairs and Scooters
Wheelchair-accessible Vans
Walkers, Canes, and Standers
Adaptive Bikes
Affordable Transportation
Assistive Technology
Falling Issues
Home Modifications
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Conductive Education
Tips For Better Sleeping
Traveling Tips
Sports
Bullying
Inclusive Playgrounds
Respite Care
Faith
Engaging in the Arts
Transitioning to Adulthood
LGBT
Vocational Counseling
College Guide
Teacher Tips for Inclusive Classrooms
Finding a Job
Having Children
Veterans
Fostering or Adopting a Child with CP
Enjoying the Great Outdoors
Emergency Preparedness
Financial Assistance
Government Assistance
Title V MCH Benefits
Special Education Assistance
Cerebral Palsy Lawyer
Alabama
Huntsville
Alaska
Anchorage
Arizona
Phoenix
Arkansas
Little Rock
California
Los Angeles
Colorado
Denver
Connecticut
Bridgeport
Delaware
Wilmington
Florida
Jacksonville
Georgia
Atlanta
Hawaii
Honolulu
Idaho
Boise
Illinois
Chicago
Indiana
Indianapolis
Iowa
Des Moines
Kansas
Wichita
Kentucky
Louisville
Louisiana
New Orleans
Maine
Portland, Maine
Maryland
Baltimore
Massachusetts
Boston
Michigan
Detroit
Minnesota
Minneapolis
Mississippi
Jackson
Missouri
Kansas City
Montana
Billings
Nebraska
Omaha
Nevada
Las Vegas
New Hampshire
Manchester
New Jersey
Newark
New Mexico
Albuquerque
New York
New York City
North Carolina
Charlotte
North Dakota
Fargo
Ohio
Columbus
Oklahoma
Oklahoma City
Oregon
Portland
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
Rhode Island
Providence
South Carolina
Columbia
South Dakota
Sioux Falls
Tennessee
Nashville
Texas
Houston
Utah
Salt Lake City
Vermont
Burlington
Virginia
Virginia Beach
Washington
Seattle
West Virginia
Charleston
Wisconsin
Milwaukee
Wyoming
Cheyenne
Medical Malpractice
Claim for Compensation
Lawsuit
Settlement
Statute of Limitations
Life Care Plan
Goals
Evaluation
Diagnosis
Care Team
Record Keeping and Documents
Birth Injury
Treatment
Causes
Failure to Monitor
Symptoms
Prognosis
Lawyer
Settlement
Lawsuit
Claim for Compensation
Infant Skull Fracture
Treatment
Symptoms
Causes
Prognosis
Lawyer
Settlement
Lawsuit
Claim for Compensation
Infant Brain Damage
Prognosis
Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
Lawyer
Lawsuit
Claim for Compensation
Settlement
Infant Wrongful Death
Causes
Intrauterine Fetal Demise (Stillbirth)
Claim for Compensation
Lawyer
Settlement
Lawsuit
Grieving the Loss of a Baby
Erb’s Palsy
Symptoms
Prognosis
Treatment
Causes
Lawyer
Settlement
Lawsuit
Claim for Compensation
Brachial Plexus Injury
Causes
Prognosis
Symptoms
Treatment
Lawyer
Lawsuit
Settlement
Claim for Compensation
Klumpke’s Palsy
Lawyer
Lawsuit

© 2023 CerebralPalsyGuidance.com · Privacy Policy · Disclaimer

The information provided by CerebralPalsyGuidance.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Living With Cerebral Palsy
  • Financial Assistance
  • Our Blog
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
210 W. Division St. Syracuse, NY 13204

We provide nationwide assistance

Facebook Twitter
Learn About Our Editorial Guidelines