Features of ADHD in children with ASD

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  The prevalence and profile of ADHD features in children and young people with autism spectrum disorders.

• IRAS ID

  208769

• Contact name

  Jeremy Turk

• Contact email

  jeremy.Turk@slam.nhs.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Institute of Psychiatry

• Duration of Study in the UK

  0 years, 4 months, 20 days

• Research summary

  The rates of comorbidity of ADHD features in ASD range from 16% to 70% depending on clinical or community samples; while the rates of autistic traits in ADHD range from 18% to 50%. Findings from clinical, research practice and theoretical models suggest that comorbidity between autism spectrum disorders and ADHD is a real, relevant and frequent occurrence. However, across studies there is variation not only in comorbidity rates but also in examination of the link between ADHD and IQ in children with ASD; this seems to be because researchers have used different samples, diagnostic criteria and methodology.

  The primary aims of this study are to identify the rate of ADHD and profile of ADHD features in children and young people with ASD, using valid and reliable diagnostic criteria and standardised diagnostic instruments. By this means, we aim to identify characteristic profiles of ADHD features in children and young people with ASD. This will be important in clarifying the exact nature of the comorbidity, in helping clinicians to suspect and identify this important co-occurrence and to provide more refined interventions tailored to these individuals’ profiles of strengths and needs. Furthermore, based on the notion that as intellectual functioning decreases, symptom severity increases, we aim to identify whether IQ level is associated with ASD/ADHD comorbidity.

  Specifically we hypothesize that:

  1. One to two thirds of children with ASD also meet criteria for comorbid ADHD
  2. IQ is associated with increased likelihood of ASD/ADHD comorbidity, so that children with comorbidity will present with lower IQs
  3. IQ level affects expression of ADHD features in children with ASD/ADHD comorbidity

• REC name

  North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  16/NW/0508

• Date of REC Opinion

  26 Jul 2016

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion