Unpacking the overlap between Autism and ADHD in adults: A multi-method approach
Lucy H Waldren1, Florence Y N Leung1, Luca D Hargitai1
1Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK.
Summary
Autism and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) overlap in adults, with attention control traits potentially bridging the two conditions. However, attention control did not fully explain the shared variance between Autism and ADHD traits.
Area of Science:
- Neurodiversity research
- Cognitive science
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Co-occurrence of Autism and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is common but historically understudied in adults due to diagnostic limitations.
- Previous research has primarily focused on children and adolescents, neglecting the lifelong nature of these neurodevelopmental conditions.
- A lack of open science practices has further hindered large-scale investigations into Autism-ADHD cross-condition associations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the trait-level associations between Autism and ADHD in adults.
- To identify potential transdiagnostic processes, specifically focusing on attention control.
- To examine the role of attention control in the cognitive overlap between Autism and ADHD.
Main Methods:
- Network analyses of self-report measures of Autism and ADHD traits in 5504 adults across two studies.
- A third pre-registered study (n=500) assessed the contribution of Autism and ADHD traits to attention control.
- Utilized well-established measures and open datasets for robust analysis.
Main Results:
- Low inter-item connectivity confirmed Autism and ADHD as separable constructs.
- Subjective social enjoyment and hyperactivity-impulsivity were most specific to Autism and ADHD, respectively.
- Attention control traits demonstrated the greatest 'Bridge Expected Influence,' suggesting a transdiagnostic role, though they did not fully explain the covariance between Autism and ADHD traits.
Conclusions:
- Autism and ADHD are distinct yet overlapping conditions in adults.
- Attention control represents a potential transdiagnostic factor, warranting further investigation.
- Findings highlight the need for adult-focused research in neurodiversity, supported by open science principles.
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