title: [Autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: similarities and differences in executive functioning and theory of mind].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although the DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria do not overlap, the presence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in individuals with a clinical diagnosis of autism is quite high. At the same time, children with ADHD can have autistic traits, the most prevalent being social and communication difficulties. The analysis of the combination of executive functions and theory of mind (ToM) deficits could help to explain the overlap and differentiation between the two disorders.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To review the findings of empirical studies in which children with ADHD and autism have been compared on indicators of executive functions and ToM.
  
  
  METHODS
  The literature review suggests the existence of distinct patterns in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and ADHD when the executive functioning is segmented by components. Children with ADHD experience deficits in inhibitory control, while children with ASD have problems with cognitive flexibility and planning. Regarding the domain of the mentalist skills, there are developmental differences, as well as differences in their severity. Younger children with ASD have greater deficiencies in the ToM compared to children with ADHD, and a primary deficit in social orientation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although important progress has been made, some issues remain to be clarified, among which we can highlight the analysis of how ToM development affects poor executive functions development, using longitudinal studies that analyze the developmental paths of children with ASD and children with ADHD.
authors.affiliation: Universidad de Valencia, 46071 Valencia, Espana.
authors.forename: Ana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Miranda-Casas
authors.forename: Immaculada
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Baixauli-Fortea
authors.forename: Carla
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Colomer-Diago
authors.forename: Belén
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Roselló-Miranda
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001288:Attention; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000523:psychology*; D056344:Executive Function; D006801:Humans; D007266:Inhibition, Psychological; D008570:Memory, Short-Term; D008959:Models, Neurological; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D063189:Symptom Assessment; D056345:Theory of Mind