Objective:Investigate diagnostic stability, daily life functioning and social situation in women
diagnosed with ADHD and/or ASD in childhood.Methods:Prospective 17 to 20-year follow-up study of 100 girls of whom 92 diagnosed in
childhood with main DSM-IV ADHD or ASD, and 60 comparison girls. Ninety and 54 of these
women were examined (M= 27, 4 years old) with semi-structured
interviews and questionnaires, close relatives were interviewed.Results:At follow-up, 89% of women with ADHD or ASD in childhood still met the criteria for
either of these diagnoses. Very few women were “in remission.” In 34% the main diagnosis
shifted from ADHD to ASD. Women with ADHD and ASD had significantly more disability and
unfavorable social situation than comparison women.Conclusion:Women with ADHD and/or ASD in childhood had impairing problems 17 to 20 years later.
Early ADHD changed to ASD in adulthood in some cases. Nearly all with ASD met criteria
for ADHD as adults.