What Should Parents and Families Look For?

It is very difficult to differentiate ALD from other conditions, such as ADHD, epilepsy, autism, and other learning disabilities, particularly if you are not aware that a genetic predisposition to the disease runs in your family. However, if you notice some of the following things, be sure that your child’s physician is considering the possibility of ALD—especially if you have a family history of neurological problems:

Late-onset ADHD or other attention problems.
A child with ADHD usually shows attention problems in preschool or early school years, while ALD symptoms appear between ages six and 10. If your son had no trouble paying attention in kindergarten but is suddenly developing problems in second grade, mention this to your doctor.

Lack of response to medications for ADHD.
If your child has been receiving a stimulant medication for ADHD and has not responded, your doctor will probably suggest a change of dose or change of medication. Ask for a blood test for ALD and a brain MRI at the same time.

Adrenal insufficiency.
If your doctor diagnoses your child with Addison’s disease, a test for ALD should be automatic, since ALD is the most common reason for Addison’s disease in childhood.

Problems with vision.
Visual impairment, caused by lesions on the optic tract, is characteristic of early seen ALD, and is frequently misdiagnosed.