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Examining Autistic Traits in Children with ADHD: Does the Autism Spectrum Extend to ADHD?

Abstract  

We examined to what extent increased parent reports of autistic traits in some children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD) are the result of ADHD-related symptoms or qualitatively similar to the core characteristics of autism spectrum
disorders (ASD). Results confirm the presence of a subgroup of children with ADHD and elevated ratings of core ASD traits
(ADHD+) not accounted for by ADHD or behavioral symptoms. Further, analyses revealed greater oppositional behaviors, but not greater
ADHD severity or anxiety, in the ADHD+ subgroup compared to those with ADHD only. These results highlight the importance of specifically examining autistic traits
in children with ADHD for better characterization in studies of the underlying physiopathology and treatment.

  • Content Type Journal Article
  • DOI 10.1007/s10803-010-1135-3
  • Authors
    • Rebecca Grzadzinski, Phyllis Green and Randolph Cōwen Institute for Pediatric Neuroscience, Child Study Center of the NYU Langone Medical Center, 215 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
    • Adriana Di Martino, Phyllis Green and Randolph Cōwen Institute for Pediatric Neuroscience, Child Study Center of the NYU Langone Medical Center, 215 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
    • Emily Brady, Phyllis Green and Randolph Cōwen Institute for Pediatric Neuroscience, Child Study Center of the NYU Langone Medical Center, 215 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
    • Maria Angeles Mairena, Phyllis Green and Randolph Cōwen Institute for Pediatric Neuroscience, Child Study Center of the NYU Langone Medical Center, 215 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
    • Matthew O’Neale, Phyllis Green and Randolph Cōwen Institute for Pediatric Neuroscience, Child Study Center of the NYU Langone Medical Center, 215 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
    • Eva Petkova, Division of Biostatistics, Child Study Center of the NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY USA
    • Catherine Lord, University of Michigan Autism and Communication Disorders Center, Ann Arbor, MI USA
    • F. Xavier Castellanos, Phyllis Green and Randolph Cōwen Institute for Pediatric Neuroscience, Child Study Center of the NYU Langone Medical Center, 215 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA