[Autism and ADHD - are there common traits?]

Abstract

Introduction: Genetic, neuropsychological and psychopathological findings refer to a connection of autism and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although the disorders represent different nosological diagnoses they partly include similar symptoms like hyperactivity, impulsivity and attention deficit disorder.

Methods: This paper gives an overview of genetic, morphological, neurophysiological and -psychological studies concerning ADHD and autism. In addition, results concerning pharmacotherapy and the development of both disorders in adulthood are described.

Results: With regard to genetics, common candidate regions are discussed. Under a morphological perspective, results on the one hand point out identical brain regions or functional systems but on the other hand underline that these regions are not equally affected. The morphological results could not be replicated on a neuropsychological basis. So far findings of studies which involved combined ADHD- and autistic samples lead to controversal results.

Conclusion: At present, there exist only few studies which include the issue of attention disorders in autism and ADHD in a same sample. With regard to diagnosis and therapeutical interventions, further research concerning the etiology of both disorders is necessary.