Confounding diagnoses in the neurodevelopmental disabilities population: a child with hearing loss, absence epilepsy, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

We report the case of a school-age child with a history of hearing loss presenting with staring spells. Electroencephalography (EEG) revealed a pattern consistent with absence epilepsy, and the patient was started on antiepileptic medication with decreased frequency of staring spells but he then continued to have behavioral issues. The patient was diagnosed subsequently with combined-type attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and started on stimulant medication with subsequent improvement in attention and school performance. Multiple confounding diagnoses are common in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, and comprehensive evaluation is required for appropriate management.