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Using the Infant Sibling-Design to Explore Associations Between Autism and ADHD Traits in Probands and Temperament in

Linn Andersson Konke1, Terje Falck-Ytter2,3,4,5, Emily J H Jones6

  • 1Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Box 1225, 751 42, Uppsala, Sweden. linn.andersson.konke@psyk.uu.se.

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|June 24, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Autism and ADHD traits in older siblings are linked to specific infant temperament differences. Inherited factors may influence early behaviors in infant siblings, offering insights into neurodevelopmental conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Behavioral Genetics
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Background:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are complex neurodevelopmental conditions.
  • Understanding early behavioral markers is crucial for timely intervention and support.
  • The infant sibling design is a valuable tool for investigating genetic and environmental influences on neurodevelopment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether proband (index case) traits of autism and ADHD predict infant sibling temperament.
  • To determine the extent to which infant temperament traits are differentially associated with autism and ADHD traits.
  • To explore the role of inherited liability in early emerging behaviors.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the infant sibling design with 216 sibling pairs from the BASIS (UK) and EASE (Sweden) cohorts.
  • Collected parent-ratings of autistic and ADHD traits (Conners Rating Scales-3) in older siblings (ages 4–19).
  • Assessed infant siblings' temperament traits (Infant Behavior Questionnaire - IBQ) at 9 months of age.

Main Results:

  • Found specific, modest associations between proband traits and infant temperament after controlling for covariates.
  • Proband autistic traits were associated with lower infant approach, partly explained by infant developmental level.
  • Proband ADHD traits were linked to higher infant activity levels, independent of covariates.

Conclusions:

  • Proband autism and ADHD traits provide predictive information about infant sibling temperament.
  • Inherited liability may influence the development of early behaviors in infant siblings.
  • Findings highlight the potential for early identification of neurodevelopmental risks through temperament assessment.

Keywords:
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorderAutism spectrum disorderDevelopmental substructureEtiologyTemperament

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