title: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms in adults with autism spectrum disorders.
abstract: Features of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and impairments on neuropsychological, tests of attention have been documented in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). To date, there has been a lack of research comparing attention in adults with ASD and adults with ADHD. In study 1, 31 adults with ASD and average intellectual function completed self-report measures of ADHD symptoms. These were compared with self-report measures of ADHD symptoms in 38 adults with ADHD and 29 general population controls. In study 2, 28 adults with a diagnosis of ASD were compared with an age- and intelligence quotient-matched sample of 28 adults with ADHD across a range of measures of attention. Study 1 showed that 36.7% of adults with ASD met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-IV criteria for current ADHD "caseness" (Barkley Current self-report scores questionnaire). Those with a diagnosis of pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified were most likely to describe ADHD symptoms. The ASD group differed significantly from both the ADHD and control groups on total and individual symptom self-report scores. On neuropsychological testing, adults with ASD and ADHD showed comparable performance on tests of selective attention. Significant group differences were seen on measures of attentional switching; adults with ADHD were significantly faster and more inaccurate, and individuals with Asperger's syndrome showed a significantly slower and more accurate response style. Self-reported rates of ADHD among adults with ASD are significantly higher than in the general adult population and may be underdiagnosed. Adults with ASD have attentional difficulties on some neuropsychological measures.
authors.affiliation: Kings College London, Institute of Psychiatry/South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Forensic Psychology Service, National and Specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, Michael Rutter Centre, De Crespigny Park, London, UK. kate.johnston@slam.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Kate
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Johnston
authors.forename: Antonia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dittner
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bramham
authors.forename: Clodagh
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Murphy
authors.forename: Anya
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Knight
authors.forename: Ailsa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Russell
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001288:Attention; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015995:Prevalence; D057566:Self Report; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: adults; attention; attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); autism spectrum disorder; neuropsychology