News — WASHINGTON (February 12, 2025) – A new study by George Washington University researchers sheds light on the high prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder among autistic adults enrolled in Medicaid and its significant impact on health outcomes. The study co-authored by , associate professor in the Department of Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences at GW’s Columbian College of Arts & Sciences, provides crucial insights into the intersection of autism and ADHD in adulthood.
The research found that ADHD is far more common in autistic adults compared to the general population. The study also revealed that co-occurring ADHD is associated with higher rates of substance use, cardiovascular conditions, and injury. However, it found that ADHD medication prescriptions were linked to improved health outcomes, suggesting that better access to treatment could mitigate some of these risks.
Wallace, an expert in neurodevelopmental disorders, played a key role in analyzing the data and interpreting the findings, contributing to a broader understanding of how ADHD affects autistic adults. His work underscores the need for targeted healthcare strategies and policy reforms to better support this population.
The research was published in Jama Network Open.
Wallace is available for interviews to discuss the study’s findings and their implications for autism and ADHD treatment policies.
To schedule an interview, please contact GW Media Relations Specialist Tayah Frye at [email protected].
-GW-
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