Rates of comorbid symptoms in children with ASD, ADHD, and comorbid ASD and ADHD

Jina Jang, Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, United States. jinajang87@gmail.com
Johnny L. Matson
Lindsey W. Williams
Kim Tureck
Rachel L. Goldin
Paige E. Cervantes

Abstract

The current diagnostic criteria do not allow co-diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). As a result, there has been little research on how these two disorders co-occur in the ASD population. The current study aimed to extend the literature in this area by examining comorbid rates in three different diagnostic groups (ASD, ADHD, and comorbid ASD+ADHD) using the Autism Spectrum Disorders-Comorbidity for Children (ASD-CC). Children with comorbid ASD and ADHD evinced higher rates of comorbid symptoms than children with ASD or ADHD alone. Additionally, children with comorbid ASD and ADHD endorsed more severe comorbid symptoms. Implications regarding these findings are discussed.