Attention Deficits in Children With Combined Autism and ADHD: A CPT Study

J Atten Disord. 2016 Jul;20(7):599-609. doi: 10.1177/1087054712453168. Epub 2012 Aug 31.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate characteristics of attention in children with the combination of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and ADHD.

Method: Four groups of 8- to 10-year-old children were compared on the Conners' Continuous Performance Test-Second Edition (CCPT-II): (a) ASD + ADHD (n = 11), (b) ASD only (n = 9), (c) ADHD only (n = 38), and (d) no diagnosis (n = 134).

Results: There was an overall effect of group on the Continuous Performance Test (CPT) index and measures of hit reaction time, accuracy, response style, variability, and consistency. The ASD + ADHD group, much like the ADHD only group, had a more risky response style, a higher variability, and a lower consistency than the ASD only group. The impact of intellectual function on CCPT-II performance was considerable in children within the ASD subgroups.

Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of including measures of attention and intellectual function when assessing children with the combination of ASD and ADHD.

Keywords: ADHD; Continuous Performance Test; attention; autism spectrum disorder; inhibition; variability.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Attention / physiology*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / diagnosis
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / psychology*
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / diagnosis
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / psychology*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inhibition, Psychological
  • Intelligence / physiology
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Reaction Time / physiology