The relationship between multisensory temporal processing and ADHD traits

Temporal processing is key for successful multisensory integration, and temporal processing has been found to be affected in many neurodevelopmental conditions, such as, autism spectrum disorder and dyslexia. Research is starting to emerge that suggests that multisensory temporal processing and integration may be affected in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study examined the relationship between ADHD traits and audiovisual temporal processing in university students, while varying context demands (e.g., task type, stimulus complexity, and emotional valence). In the temporal order judgment task with non-speech stimuli, there was no relationship between ADHD traits and the temporal binding window (TBW). In the ternary (3-choice) synchrony judgment task with speech stimuli, there was no relationship between ADHD traits and the TBW. In the ternary synchrony judgment task with emotional speech stimuli, ADHD traits, specifically higher hyperactive-impulsive traits were related to a shorter TBW in the anger condition. These results suggest that ADHD-related temporal processing differences may be context-dependent in non-clinical populations.