Research Overview

Dr. Barbaresi’s research focuses on population-based studies of developmental disorders. His research group has published the most comprehensive information to date on associations between treatment of childhood ADHD and long-term outcomes.  They also published the first long-term study of the changing incidence of autism in the US.  He is currently the PI of a prospective, population-based, NIH-funded study of ADHD.  This study includes all research-identified childhood ADHD cases and controls from a population-based birth cohort.  It will provide population-based answers to long-standing questions about the rate of persistence of ADHD into adulthood, as well as psychosocial, educational and psychiatric outcomes for adults with a history of childhood ADHD. The DNA repository created in this study will be employed in future studies of the genomics of ADHD.

Education

Medical School

University of Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Buffalo NY

Internship

Boston Children's Hospital
Boston MA

Residency

Boston Children's Hospital
Boston MA

Fellowship

Ambulatory Pediatrics Boston Children's Hospital
Boston MA

Publications

  1. ADHD Prescription Patterns: Paying Attention to Trends. Pediatrics. 2025 Feb 01; 155(2). View Abstract
  2. Characteristics of Young Children Associated with Diagnostic Utility of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule: A DBPNet Study. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2024 Nov 26. View Abstract
  3. The Impact of Face Mask Use on Research Evaluations of 5-7 Year-Old Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord. 2024 Nov 23. View Abstract
  4. Developmental and Psychiatric Conditions Among 5-7 Year Old Children with Non-persistent and Persistent Autism. J Autism Dev Disord. 2024 Nov 09. View Abstract
  5. Diverse clinical presentation of SPTBN1 variants: Complex versus primary attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Am J Med Genet A. 2025 Jan; 197(1):e63851. View Abstract
  6. Considerations in Early Autism Diagnosis-Reply. JAMA Pediatr. 2024 Apr 01; 178(4):417-418. View Abstract
  7. Engagement of adolescents with ADHD in a narrative-centered game-based behavior change environment to reduce alcohol use. Front Educ (Lausanne). 2023; 8. View Abstract
  8. Rare De Novo and Inherited Genes in Familial and Nonfamilial Pediatric Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. JAMA Pediatr. 2024 Jan 01; 178(1):81-84. View Abstract
  9. Assessment and Documentation of Language Disorders in Young Children: Challenges and Opportunities. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2024 01 01; 45(1):e4-e7. View Abstract
  10. Persistence of Autism Spectrum Disorder From Early Childhood Through School Age. JAMA Pediatr. 2023 11 01; 177(11):1197-1205. View Abstract
  11. Co-occurring conditions in Down syndrome: Findings from a clinical database. Am J Med Genet C Semin Med Genet. 2023 12; 193(4):e32072. View Abstract
  12. Receipt of Behavioral Therapy in Preschool-Age Children with ADHD and Coexisting Conditions: A DBPNet Study. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2023 12 01; 44(9):e651-e656. View Abstract
  13. Do Externalizing and Internalizing Symptoms Moderate Medication Response in Preschool Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder? A DBPNet Study. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2023 09 01; 44(7):e447-e454. View Abstract
  14. Adverse Effects of a-2 Adrenergic Agonists and Stimulants in Preschool-age Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics Research Network Study. J Pediatr. 2023 06; 257:113325. View Abstract
  15. Male and Female Toddlers with DSM-5 Autism Spectrum Disorder have Similar Developmental Profiles and Core Autism Symptoms. J Autism Dev Disord. 2024 Mar; 54(3):955-962. View Abstract
  16. Clinician Diagnostic Certainty and the Role of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule in Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis in Young Children. JAMA Pediatr. 2022 12 01; 176(12):1233-1241. View Abstract
  17. Development and implementation of a longitudinal clinical database for down syndrome in a large pediatric specialty clinic: Methodology and feasibility. J Intellect Disabil. 2024 Mar; 28(1):196-215. View Abstract
  18. Association of Coexisting Conditions, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Medication Choice, and Likelihood of Improvement in Preschool-Age Children: A Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics Research Network Study. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2022 08; 32(6):328-336. View Abstract
  19. Description of Clinician-Diagnosed Regression at Time of Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis in Toddlers. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2022 09 01; 43(7):377-385. View Abstract
  20. Correction to: Identifying Subgroups of Toddlers with DSM-5 Autism Spectrum Disorder Based on Core Symptoms. J Autism Dev Disord. 2021 Dec; 51(12):4486-4487. View Abstract
  21. Language Screening in 3-Year-Olds: Development and Validation of a Feasible and Effective Instrument for Pediatric Primary Care. Front Pediatr. 2021; 9:752141. View Abstract
  22. Preschool Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Telephone Medication Management at Developmental-Behavioral Pediatric Network Sites. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2021 08 01; 42(6):481-484. View Abstract
  23. a2-Adrenergic Agonists or Stimulants for Preschool-Age Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. JAMA. 2021 05 25; 325(20):2067-2075. View Abstract
  24. Identifying Subgroups of Toddlers with DSM-5 Autism Spectrum Disorder Based on Core Symptoms. J Autism Dev Disord. 2021 Dec; 51(12):4471-4485. View Abstract
  25. Recalled Experiences of Bullying and Victimization in a Longitudinal, Population-Based Birth Cohort: The Influence of ADHD and Co-Occurring Psychiatric Disorder. J Atten Disord. 2022 01; 26(1):15-24. View Abstract
  26. Children With ADHD Are at Risk for a Broad Array of Adverse Adult Outcomes That Cross Functional Domains: Results From a Population-Based Birth Cohort Study. J Atten Disord. 2022 01; 26(1):3-14. View Abstract
  27. Pathogenic Yield of Genetic Testing in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Pediatrics. 2020 10; 146(4). View Abstract
  28. Is it feasible to assess self-reported quality of life in individuals who are deaf and have intellectual disabilities? Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol. 2021 Oct; 56(10):1881-1890. View Abstract
  29. The SDBP Complex ADHD Clinical Practice Guideline: It's About Time. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2020 Feb/Mar; 41 Suppl 2S:S33-S34. View Abstract
  30. Supplementary Evidence Tables for Treatment of Complex Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2020 Feb/Mar; 41 Suppl 2S:s111-s148. View Abstract
  31. Developing the Evidence-Grading Tools and Process for the Complex Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Guideline. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2020 Feb/Mar; 41 Suppl 2S:S105-S110. View Abstract
  32. Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Clinical Practice Guideline for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents with Complex Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2020 Feb/Mar; 41 Suppl 2S:S35-S57. View Abstract
  33. The Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Clinical Practice Guideline for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents with Complex Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Process of Care Algorithms. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2020 Feb/Mar; 41 Suppl 2S:S58-S74. View Abstract
  34. Feasibility and Outcomes of the Early Start Denver Model Implemented with Low Intensity in a Community Setting in Austria. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2019 06; 40(5):354-363. View Abstract
  35. High-Functioning Autism, Severe Anxiety, and Bullying in a 26 Year Old. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2019 05; 40(4):312-314. View Abstract
  36. Common Use of Stimulants and Alpha-2 Agonists to Treat Preschool Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A DBPNet Study. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2018 09; 39(7):531-537. View Abstract
  37. Using ADHD Medications to Treat Coexisting ADHD and Reading Disorders: A Systematic Review. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2018 10; 104(4):619-637. View Abstract
  38. Population Health in Pediatric Speech and Language Disorders: Available Data Sources and a Research Agenda for the Field. J Speech Lang Hear Res. 2018 05 17; 61(5):1279-1291. View Abstract
  39. Topical Review: Transitional Services for Teens and Young Adults With Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Process Map and Proposed Model to Overcoming Barriers to Care. J Pediatr Psychol. 2017 11 01; 42(10):1108-1113. View Abstract
  40. Psychiatric Comorbidities Modify the Association Between Childhood ADHD and Risk for Suicidality: A Population-Based Longitudinal Study. J Atten Disord. 2019 Jun; 23(8):777-786. View Abstract
  41. Academic Achievement in Adults with a History of Childhood Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Population-Based Prospective Study. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2017 01; 38(1):1-11. View Abstract
  42. Adults With Persistent ADHD: Gender and Psychiatric Comorbidities-A Population-Based Longitudinal Study. J Atten Disord. 2018 04; 22(6):535-546. View Abstract
  43. Management of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder by Developmental-Behavioral Pediatricians: A DBPNet Study. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2016 09; 37(7):541-7. View Abstract
  44. Electronic Health Record Based Algorithm to Identify Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder. PLoS One. 2016; 11(7):e0159621. View Abstract
  45. The Meaning of "Regression" in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Why Does It Matter? J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2016 Jul-Aug; 37(6):506-7. View Abstract
  46. Mediating and Moderating Role of Depression, Conduct Disorder or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Developing Adolescent Substance Use Disorders: A Population-Based Study. PLoS One. 2016; 11(6):e0157488. View Abstract
  47. Improving Care for Children With ADHD: The Information is Just a Rating Scale Away. Pediatrics. 2016 Mar; 137(3):e20154450. View Abstract
  48. Childhood Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Sex, and Obesity: A Longitudinal Population-Based Study. Mayo Clin Proc. 2016 Mar; 91(3):352-61. View Abstract
  49. Comparing Methods to Determine Persistence of Childhood ADHD Into Adulthood: A Prospective, Population-Based Study. J Atten Disord. 2018 04; 22(6):571-580. View Abstract
  50. Comparing Diagnostic Outcomes of Autism Spectrum Disorder Using DSM-IV-TR and DSM-5 Criteria. J Autism Dev Disord. 2015 May; 45(5):1437-50. View Abstract
  51. "Complex" attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, more norm than exception? Diagnoses and comorbidities in a developmental clinic. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2014 Nov-Dec; 35(9):591-7. View Abstract
  52. Update on long-term stimulant medication treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2014 Sep; 35(7):446-7. View Abstract
  53. Long-term stimulant medication treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: results from a population-based study. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2014 Sep; 35(7):448-57. View Abstract
  54. ADHD, stimulant treatment, and growth: a longitudinal study. Pediatrics. 2014 Oct; 134(4):e935-44. View Abstract
  55. Childhood ADHD and risk for substance dependence in adulthood: a longitudinal, population-based study. PLoS One. 2014; 9(8):e105640. View Abstract
  56. Dietary docosahexaenoic acid supplementation in children with autism. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2014 Jun; 58(6):715-22. View Abstract
  57. ADHD and learning disabilities in former late preterm infants: a population-based birth cohort. Pediatrics. 2013 Sep; 132(3):e630-6. View Abstract
  58. Disparity of care for children with parent-reported autism spectrum disorders. Acad Pediatr. 2013 Jul-Aug; 13(4):334-9. View Abstract
  59. Mortality, ADHD, and psychosocial adversity in adults with childhood ADHD: a prospective study. Pediatrics. 2013 Apr; 131(4):637-44. View Abstract
  60. Incidence of enuresis and encopresis among children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in a population-based birth cohort. Acad Pediatr. 2013 Jul-Aug; 13(4):322-7. View Abstract
  61. Special education and later academic achievement. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2013 Feb; 34(2):111-9. View Abstract
  62. Early speech-language impairment and risk for written language disorder: a population-based study. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2013 Jan; 34(1):38-44. View Abstract
  63. Research priorities for developmental-behavioral pediatrics: a DBPNet consensus study. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2012 Jul; 33(6):509-16. View Abstract
  64. Childhood ADHD is strongly associated with a broad range of psychiatric disorders during adolescence: a population-based birth cohort study. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2012 Oct; 53(10):1036-43. View Abstract
  65. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder after early exposure to procedures requiring general anesthesia. Mayo Clin Proc. 2012 Feb; 87(2):120-9. View Abstract
  66. Written-language disorder among children with and without ADHD in a population-based birth cohort. Pediatrics. 2011 Sep; 128(3):e605-12. View Abstract
  67. Developmental and behavioral disorders through the life span. Pediatrics. 2011 Aug; 128(2):364-73. View Abstract
  68. Evaluation of the ability of neurobiological, neurodevelopmental and socio-economic variables to predict cognitive outcome in premature infants. Child Care Health Dev. 2012 Sep; 38(5):683-9. View Abstract
  69. Author reply: attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and high intelligence quotient. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2011 Jun; 32(5):438. View Abstract
  70. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children with high intelligence quotient: results from a population-based study. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2011 Feb-Mar; 32(2):103-9. View Abstract
  71. Gender, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and reading disability in a population-based birth cohort. Pediatrics. 2010 Oct; 126(4):e788-95. View Abstract
  72. Epilepsy in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Pediatr Neurol. 2010 May; 42(5):325-30. View Abstract
  73. Anesthesia for cesarean delivery and learning disabilities in a population-based birth cohort. Anesthesiology. 2009 Aug; 111(2):302-10. View Abstract
  74. Incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms in children with autism: a population-based study. Pediatrics. 2009 Aug; 124(2):680-6. View Abstract
  75. The forgotten learning disability: epidemiology of written-language disorder in a population-based birth cohort (1976-1982), Rochester, Minnesota. Pediatrics. 2009 May; 123(5):1306-13. View Abstract
  76. Early exposure to anesthesia and learning disabilities in a population-based birth cohort. Anesthesiology. 2009 Apr; 110(4):796-804. View Abstract
  77. Developmental outcomes for neonatal dural arteriovenous fistulas. J Neurosurg Pediatr. 2009 Feb; 3(2):105-9. View Abstract
  78. Developmental and behavioral pediatrics grown up: a new JDBP review series. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2008 Dec; 29(6):523. View Abstract
  79. The incidence of clinically diagnosed versus research-identified autism in Olmsted County, Minnesota, 1976-1997: results from a retrospective, population-based study. J Autism Dev Disord. 2009 Mar; 39(3):464-70. View Abstract
  80. Stimulant medication treatment of target behaviors in children with autism: a population-based study. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2008 Apr; 29(2):75-81. View Abstract
  81. Prevalence, recognition, and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in a national sample of US children. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2007 Sep; 161(9):857-64. View Abstract
  82. Long-term school outcomes for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a population-based perspective. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2007 Aug; 28(4):265-73. View Abstract
  83. Modifiers of long-term school outcomes for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: does treatment with stimulant medication make a difference? Results from a population-based study. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2007 Aug; 28(4):274-87. View Abstract
  84. Comparison of the validity of direct pediatric developmental evaluation versus developmental screening by parent report. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2007 Jul; 46(6):523-9. View Abstract
  85. Autism: a review of the state of the science for pediatric primary health care clinicians. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2006 Nov; 160(11):1167-75. View Abstract
  86. Developmental dissociation, deviance, and delay: Occurrence of attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder in individuals with and without borderline-to-mild intellectual disability. Dev Med Child Neurol. 2006 Oct; 48(10):831-5. View Abstract
  87. Long-term stimulant medication treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: results from a population-based study. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2006 Feb; 27(1):1-10. View Abstract
  88. Emergency department use and costs for youth with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: associations with stimulant treatment. Ambul Pediatr. 2006 Jan-Feb; 6(1):45-53. View Abstract
  89. Psychostimulant treatment and risk for substance abuse among young adults with a history of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a population-based, birth cohort study. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2005 Oct; 15(5):764-76. View Abstract
  90. Math learning disorder: incidence in a population-based birth cohort, 1976-82, Rochester, Minn. Ambul Pediatr. 2005 Sep-Oct; 5(5):281-9. View Abstract
  91. Case definition in epidemiologic studies of AD/HD. Ann Epidemiol. 2005 Jul; 15(6):430-7. View Abstract
  92. 14q32.3 deletion syndrome with autism. Am J Med Genet A. 2005 Feb 15; 133A(1):99-100. View Abstract
  93. The incidence of autism in Olmsted County, Minnesota, 1976-1997: results from a population-based study. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2005 Jan; 159(1):37-44. View Abstract
  94. An opportunity for office-based research. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2004 Oct; 25(5 Suppl):S84-8. View Abstract
  95. Early life risk factors for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a population-based cohort study. Mayo Clin Proc. 2004 Sep; 79(9):1124-31. View Abstract
  96. How common is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder? Towards resolution of the controversy: results from a population-based study. Acta Paediatr Suppl. 2004 May; 93(445):55-9. View Abstract
  97. The yield of the medical evaluation of children with pervasive developmental disorders. J Autism Dev Disord. 2003 Apr; 33(2):187-92. View Abstract
  98. Use of psychotropic medications in young, preschool children: primum non nocere. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2003 Feb; 157(2):121-3. View Abstract
  99. How common is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder? Incidence in a population-based birth cohort in Rochester, Minn. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2002 Mar; 156(3):217-24. View Abstract
  100. Boy/girl differences in risk for reading disability: potential clues? Am J Epidemiol. 2001 Nov 01; 154(9):787-94. View Abstract
  101. Incidence of reading disability in a population-based birth cohort, 1976-1982, Rochester, Minn. Mayo Clin Proc. 2001 Nov; 76(11):1081-92. View Abstract
  102. An opportunity for office-based research. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2001 Feb; 22(1):35-9. View Abstract
  103. Use and costs of medical care for children and adolescents with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. JAMA. 2001 Jan 03; 285(1):60-6. View Abstract
  104. Potential influence of migration bias in birth cohort studies. Mayo Clin Proc. 1998 Nov; 73(11):1053-61. View Abstract
  105. An ADHD educational intervention for elementary schoolteachers: a pilot study. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 1998 Apr; 19(2):94-100. View Abstract
  106. Primary-care approach to the diagnosis and management of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Mayo Clin Proc. 1996 May; 71(5):463-71. View Abstract

Contact William Joseph Barbaresi