Despite these distinctions, autistic people and those with ADHD may share some overlapping traits, such as difficulties with attention regulation, social interaction, and managing sensory input.
Understanding these shared and unique characteristics is essential for providing accurate diagnoses and appropriate support.
Key Points
Rationale
Autism and ADHD are two of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions, collectively affecting approximately 6-14% of the population (Frances et al., 2022).
Despite their high co-occurrence in clinical settings, research has typically focused on each condition separately (e.g., Livingston et al., 2022; Riglin et al., 2022; Taylor et al., 2021), limiting our understanding of the transdiagnostic processes that may underpin their similarities and co-occurrence.
Furthermore, most previous research linking Autism and ADHD has focused on children and adolescents, despite them being lifelong conditions (Hargitai et al., 2023).
Addressing these gaps, the current study aimed to investigate the overlap between Autism and ADHD traits in large adult samples using a multi-method approach.
Method
The study employed a multi-method approach across three studies to investigate the overlap between Autism and ADHD traits in adulthood.
Procedure
Sample
Measures
Statistical measures
Results
Insight
This study provides novel insights into the overlap between Autism and ADHD traits in adulthood.
While network analysis of self-report data suggested attention control as a potential transdiagnostic process, cognitive experiments did not support this finding when accounting for socio-demographic factors.
The disparity between self-report and cognitive data raises important questions about the challenges of accurately capturing behavioral and cognitive performance in neurodivergent populations.
Future research should focus on combining self-report, cognitive, multi-informant, and clinical assessments to better understand the links between Autism and ADHD in adults.
Strengths
This study had several methodological strengths, including:
Limitations
Despite strengths, this study also came with several limitations, including:
Implications
The findings of this study have important implications for clinical practice and future research.
The greater distinction than overlap between Autism and ADHD traits supports the need for condition-specific tailored interventions, while also highlighting the importance of considering co-occurrence during assessment anddiagnosis.
The disparity between self-report and cognitive data emphasizes the need for a multi-method approach in neurodiversity research, combining self-report, cognitive, multi-informant, and clinical assessments.
Future research should focus on developing more sensitive cognitive measures and investigating the role of socio-demographic factors in the manifestation of Autism and ADHD traits.
References
Primary reference
Waldren, L. H., Leung, F. Y. N., Hargitai, L. D., Burgoyne, A. P., Liceralde, V. R. T., Livingston, L. A., & Shah, P. (2024). Unpacking the overlap between autism and ADHD in adults: A multi-method approach.Cortex: A Journal Devoted to the Study of the Nervous System and Behavior, 173,120–137.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cortex.2023.12.016
Other references
Frances, L., Quintero, J., Fernández, A., Ruiz, A., Caules, J., Fillon, G., Hervas, A., & Soler, C. V. (2022). Current state of knowledge on the prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood according to the DSM-5: A systematic review in accordance with the PRISMA criteria.Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, 16(1), 27.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13034-022-00462-1
Hargitai, L. D., Livingston, L. A., Waldren, L. H., Robinson, R., Jarrold, C., & Shah, P. (2023). Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder traits are a more important predictor of internalising problems than autistic traits.Scientific Reports, 13(1), 31.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-26350-4
Livingston, L. A., Waldren, L. H., Walton, E., & Shah, P. (2022). Emotion processing differences mediate the link between sex and autistic traits in young adulthood.JCPP Advances, 2(3), Article e12096.https://doi.org/10.1002/jcv2.12096
Riglin, L., Wootton, R. E., Livingston, L. A., Agnew-Blais, J., Arseneault, L., Blakey, R., Agha, S. S., Langley, K., Collishaw, S., O’Donovan, M. C., Davey Smith, G., Stergiakouli, E., Tilling, K., & Thapar, A. (2022). “Late-onset” ADHD symptoms in young adulthood: Is this ADHD?Journal of Attention Disorders, 26(10), 1271–1282.https://doi.org/10.1177/10870547211066486
Taylor, E. C., Livingston, L. A., Callan, M. J., Hanel, P. H. P., & Shah, P. (2021). Do autistic traits predict pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors, and climate change belief?Journal of Environmental Psychology, 76, Article 101648.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2021.101648
Keep Learning
Here are some reflective questions related to this study that could prompt further discussion:
Saul McLeod, PhD
BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester
Saul McLeod, PhD., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years of experience in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.
Olivia Guy-Evans, MSc
BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Psychology of Education
Olivia Guy-Evans is a writer and associate editor for Simply Psychology. She has previously worked in healthcare and educational sectors.
