Commonly studied comorbid psychopathologies among persons with autism spectrum disorder

Johnny L. Matson, Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, United States.
Paige E. Cervantes, Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, United States. Electronic address: pcerva2@lsu.edu.

Abstract

The study of comorbid psychopathology among persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is picking up steam. The purpose of this paper was to review and describe important characteristics of existing studies. Among the current crop of papers, depression, anxiety, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been frequently evaluated. Groups studied have most frequently been children. Persons with ASD and normal intelligence quotient (IQ) scores have been studied more often than individuals with ASD and intellectual disability. Additional characteristics are discussed, and the implications of these data for future developments in the field are reviewed.