Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention - Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children: A Comorbidity

Abstract Background A diagnosis of autism precludes a diagnosis of Attention- deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), however, despite the difference conceptualization, previous studies reported symptoms overlap and a high rate of ADHD in autism and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Objective To detect the frequency of ADHD in children with ASD and its relation to the severity of autism. Methods This study assessed ADHD symptoms and their severity, screened by the Conners' Parent Rating Scale-Revised (CPRS-R), as well as cognitive and adaptive skills, screened by Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale (VABS), in a sample of 150 children with a primary ASD diagnosis following up at Ain Shams University, Pediatric Department, Developmental and Behavioral clinic. Results It was found that the prevalence of ADHD evaluated by the Conners’ Parent Rating Scale is 100% (14.6 mild to moderate ADHD, 85.4 severe ADHD). Severe ADHD is significantly associated with higher incidence of education at special needs schools (P = 0.000), lower maternal education (P = 0.035), jobless fathers (P = 0.035), lower Parity (P = 0.047) as well as a higher incidence of prenatal problems(P = 0.037), presence of family history (P = 0.041), higher Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) scores(P = 0.000), and a higher incidence of severe deficit VABS scores(P = 0.000)). Conclusion ADHD frequency is highly prevalent in ASD patients. Clinicians should be aware that ADHD confers additional developmental risk factors on children with ASD. So should be screened and give effective treatment for ADHD symptoms, and what causes them to be severe (higher incidence of special needs schools, lower maternal education, jobless fathers, a high incidence of prenatal problems, consanguinous marriage).