Brief report: prevalence of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder among individuals with an autism spectrum disorder

J Autism Dev Disord. 2013 Jun;43(6):1459-64. doi: 10.1007/s10803-012-1677-7.

Abstract

Currently, both the DSM-IV-TR and ICD-10 preclude the diagnosis of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in cases that present with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This criterion will be removed in the upcoming DSM-V, but the relationship between ASD and ADHD, and in particular the prevalence of ADHD among the ASD population, remains controversial. Previous studies have reported clinically significant ADHD symptoms in one-third to three-quarters of ASD-affected individuals (probands). In our sample of 1,838 simplex children and adolescents with ASD, we found that less than 16% met clinically significant levels of ADHD symptoms, per parent report. When both parent and teacher reports were considered, the comorbidity rate was even lower, at 2%.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / epidemiology*
  • Child
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / epidemiology*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Comorbidity
  • Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Registries