Abstract
Introduction
Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at a higher risk of burn injuries, compared to children with neurotypical development, but little is known about the epidemiology of burn injuries in children diagnosed with ASD and ADHD. Research within the pediatric burn population using the Burn Outcomes Questionnaire (BOQ) has been successful in capturing levels of risk on burn-recovery specific domains such as compliance to treatment, pain, and parental concerns.
Methods
The current study retrospectively assessed a subsample of BOQ data in children with burn injuries who also had a diagnosis of ASD or ADHD. This project was undertaken at our institution as an exempt project under 45 CFR 46.101 and, as such, it was not formally supervised by an Institutional Review Board.
Results
Of the 593 patients who completed a BOQ, 186 patients were identified with a diagnosis of ASD or ADHD. 127 patients had multiple parent-reported symptoms which align with diagnoses of ASD and ADHD, including 116 (63.4%) with attention or behavioral problems, 42 (23.3%) with a developmental delay, 7 (3.9%) with an intellectual disability and 90 (49.7%) had learning problems. 66 (37.3%) patients had pre-existing comorbid psychiatric diagnoses of depression.
Conclusions
Results indicated that a large portion of patients have a diagnosis of ASD/ADHD with significantly higher levels of parental concern regarding compliance compared to youth without an ASD/ADHD diagnosis. Results suggest that modified curriculum may be necessary to assure effective prevention education for children with ASD and ADHD.
Applicability of Research to Practice
While it is important to educate all children in burn prevention efforts, special attention may be necessary to assure training with children at greater risk for burn injury. Specific parent training would be imperative to understand the critical burn care needs of children with developmental disabilities.
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms moderate cognition and behavior in children with autism spectrum disorders
