Why might this be? Children with allergies and asthma are known to have elevated risk of sleep disturbance, which could manifest with snoring in those with allergies, increased cough and respiratory symptoms during sleep for poorly controlled asthma. And finally, poor sleep quality can lead to symptoms of ADHD. Dr. Susarla

Children With Allergy, Asthma May Be at Higher Risk for ADHD

 The number of children being diagnosed with attention-deficit disorder (ADHD), allergy and asthma is increasing in the United States. And according to a new study, there might be a link between the growth of these three conditions.

The study, published in the August issue of Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, the scientific journal of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), found there is an increased risk of ADHD in boys that have a history of allergy or asthma.

"ADHD, a chronic mental health disorder, is most commonly found in males, while asthma is also more common in young boys than girls," said Eelko Hak, lead study author. "We found there is an increased risk of ADHD in boys with a history of asthma and an even stronger risk associated with milk intolerance."

Researchers in the Netherlands and Boston studied 884 boys with ADHD and 3,536 boys without the disorder. Of the children with ADHD, 34 percent had asthma and 35 percent had an allergic disorder. The study suggests medications used to treat these conditions may be associated with an increased ADHD risk.

"Further research is needed to understand why there appears to be an increased risk of developing ADHD in children with allergy and asthma," said Gailen Marshall, MD, editor-in-chief of Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. "Medications for these conditions far outweigh the risks, and can be life-saving in some conditions. Treatment should not be stopped, unless advised by a board-certified allergist."

According to the ACAAI, allergy and asthma often run in families. If both parents have an allergy a child has a 75 percent chance of being allergic. If neither parent has allergy, the chance of a child developing an allergy is only 10 to 15 percent. Allergists also know allergies and asthma are linked. An estimated 60 to 80 percent of children with asthma also have an allergy. While the cause of ADHD is unknown, this disorder is also thought to run in families
.

Read article here.

Some sage advice for parents of special needs children... Dr. Susarla

Spotting Sleep Problems in Special-Needs Children

Small changes at home can help them get essential shuteye

TUESDAY, March 5 (HealthDay News) -- About 30 percent of children have a sleep disorder, but the rate is even higher in children with special needs, an expert says.

This increased risk in children with special needs is likely related to physical and behavioral differences, as well as side effects from medication, said Dr. Jennifer Accardo, director of the SleepDisorders Clinic and Lab at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, Md.

Not all children with special needs who have sleep disturbances will be diagnosed with a sleep disorder, but early detection of common signs is the key to improving sleep. Parents know theirchild's sleep patterns best and can spot sleep issues if they know what to look for.

Signs of sleep problems in school-age children with special needs include: snoring; difficulty falling or staying asleep; sleepwalking,night terrors and other nighttime activities; sleeping too much; and needing parents to be in the room to fall asleep.

"While a good night's sleep is important for all children, it is especially critical for children with special needs," Accardo said in an institute news release. "Parents can make small changes at home to help their child get a better night's sleep and improve their performance in daytime activities, therapies and social interactions."

Accardo offered tips to improve sleep for children with special needs:

• Make sleep a priority and develop a bedtime routine.
• Keep schedules consistent every day on both weekdays and weekends.
• Make the bedroom a restful place and have your child sleep in the same place every night.
• Avoid caffeine.
• Put your child to bed when he or she is sleepy, but not yet fully asleep.
• Address anxiety, which is common in children with special needs.
• Take note of signs of sleep problems.

"If parents are concerned about their child's sleep patterns and behaviors, they should consult with their pediatrician or a sleepexpert," Accardo said. "Sleep evaluations can be extremely beneficial in identifying causes and ultimately improving sleep for the entire family."

Read article here.