The co-occurrence of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) and Mental Health (MH) diagnoses is not exceptional. Comorbidity between NDD and mental health disorders range between 56 and 96%. This presentation will examine the prevalence of co-occurring neurodevelopmental and mental health disorders and the overlapping neurobiological mechanisms between NDDs and mood disorders as well as contextual and environmental contributions. Particular attention will be paid to Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with regard to co-occurring mood, anxiety and trauma/stress related disorders. Screening and assessment procedures will be reviewed and dyadic treatment paradigms as they apply to co-morbidity will be examined. Historically there has been a pseudo-bifurcation of disorders into those of psychogenic and those of “organic” etiology which still tends to color organizational structure and service delivery systems. Considerations for organizational and service delivery change to promote greater integration between mental health and developmental disability services will be explored.

Learning objectives 

As an outcome of attending this presentation, participants will be able to: 

1. Identify prevalence rates of comorbidity between neurodevelopmental (NDD)disorders and mental health (MH) diagnoses 
2. Discuss the overlapping neurodevelopmental pathways and environmental/contextual factors contributing to comorbidity
3. Identify heightened risks for comorbidity with ADHD and ASD
4. Characterize treatment modalities appropriate for comorbid disorders including ACE exposure
5. Discuss systemic strategies that would promote greater integration between services to children with NDD and MH disorders and their families