Near Infrared Spectroscopy in Children With Autism and ADHD

• INCLUSION CRITERIA: Children will be between 4 to 8 years of age (4 years, 0 months to 8 years, 11 months).English speakers only will be recruited for the study, because the language measures/testsand stimuli being used are in English and were developed and standardized on English-onlysamples. Typically Developing Group:

-Development in nonverbal and verbal areas within age expectations (per scores ontheDifferential Ability Scales, Second Edition or the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale ofIntelligence Fourth Edition , no more than 1.5 standard deviation below the mean) ASD Group:

-Diagnosis of Autistic Disorder, Asperger s disorder, or Pervasive Developmental Disorder -Not Otherwise Specified (PDD NOS), based on diagnostic evaluation conducted through aseparate screening protocol ADHD Group:

-Diagnosis of ADHD based on diagnostic evaluation conducted through a separate screeningprotocol Minimum Nonverbal IQ of 80; Minimum Verbal IQ score of 60

EXCLUSION CRITERIA: All children who meet the following criteria:

• Primary language spoken at home is other than English

• Any skin disease that affects the scalp

• Past or present vascular disease, such as lupus, ankylosing spondylitis orscleroderma.

• Known adverse reaction to latex

• Presence or history of medical conditions known to affect cerebral anatomy, such asknown cysts, arterivenous malformations or cortical tubers.

• Head trauma with loss of consciousness lasting longer than 5 seconds in the last yearor any evidence of functional impairment due to and persisting after head trauma

• Motor movement disorder which may cause sudden excessive movement, such as Tourette sdisorder

• Birth before 32 weeks of gestation. Premature birth can have a profound effect onbrain function and structure

• A known neurological or neurogenetic condition affecting the central nervous system,such as epilepsy, cerebral palsy, neurofibromatosis, velo-cardiofacial syndrome.

• Color blindness Typically Developing Group:

• Cognitive impairment, defined as Nonverbal IQ below 80, or signs of ASD or ADHD

• Confirmed diagnosis of any DSM-IV-TR Axis I disorder

• Taking medications for neuropsychiatric disorders such as antidepressants,antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, anxiolytics or any medication used to treat ADHD (psychostimulants, atomoxetine (Strattera ), bupropion (Wellbutrin ), tricyclicantidepressants (like impramine), clonidine, guanfacine, or modafinil (Provigil ). ASD Group:

• Taking medications for neuropsychiatric disorders: such as antidepressants,antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, or anxiolytics. Some medications used to treatmentfor ADHD are also exclusionary for all children - including atomoxetine (Strattera ),bupropion (Wellbutrin ), tricyclic antidepressants (like impramine), clonidine,guanfacine, or modafinil (Provigil ). Children with ASD who take stimulants (likeRitalin, adderall, concerta and vyvanse) may be able to participate if they arewilling and able to stop stimulant medications for 2 days on 1 occasion for the study

• A known neurological or neurogenetic condition affecting the central nervous system,such as epilepsy, cerebral palsy, neurofibromatosis, velo-cardiofacial syndrome. ADHD Group:

• Taking medications for neuropsychiatric disorders: such as antidepressants,antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, or anxiolytics. Some medications used to treatmentfor ADHD are also exclusionary for all children - including atomoxetine (Strattera ),bupropion (Wellbutrin ), tricyclic antidepressants (like impramine), clonidine,guanfacine, or modafinil (Provigil ). Children with ASD who take stimulants (likeRitalin, adderall, concerta and vyvanse) may be able to participate if they arewilling and able to stop stimulant medications for 2 days on 1 occasion for the study

• Other psychiatric diagnoses (including ASD, anxiety and depression), except forcomorbid oppostional defiant disorder