Attention Deficits in Children With Combined Autism and ADHD: A CPT Study. (July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lundervold, Astri J.; Stickert, Marte; Hysing, Mari; Sørensen, Lin; Gillberg, Christopher; Posserud, Maj-Britt
• Is Part Of: Journal of attention disorders. Volume 20:Number 7(2016:Oct.)
• Page Start: 599
• Page End: 609
• Publication Date: 2016-07
• Subjects: autism spectrum disorder -- ADHD -- attention -- Continuous Performance Test -- inhibition -- variability; Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder -- Periodicals; Attention -- Periodicals; 616.8589
• DOI: 10.1177/1087054712453168
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1087-0547

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.