Understanding these chemical messengers of the brain helps us view mental distress through a more scientific and less judgmental lens. It demonstrates that symptoms have a real biological basis and are not simply the result of “weak willpower” or a “fragile personality.” This understanding is the first step towards reducing stigma and opening the door to effective treatment.

In the consulting room, we frequently see children referred for “inability to sit still in class,” “large emotional fluctuations,” “difficulty getting along with others,” or “complete inability to focus.” After thorough assessment, we sometimes discover that the child is not simply “lazy” or “unsociable,” but presents with features of both Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This co-occurrence is increasingly referred to as AuDH