Abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) both experience behavioral and social difficulties. Prior research has shown that when these disorders co-occur, behavioral symptoms associated with both disorders may be more severe. There is only limited research on the impact of ASD + ADHD comorbidity on social functioning. The present study investigated social impairment in 282 children diagnosed with ASD, ADHD, or ASD + ADHD. No significant differences in social impairment were found between the ASD and ASD + ADHD groups. This study contributes to extant literature indicating mixed findings in regard to social functioning amidst the ASD + ADHD comorbidity.
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The authors are extremely grateful to all the families and clinicians who participated in this study. This Network activity was supported by Autism Speaks and cooperative agreement UA3 MC11054 through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Research Program to the Massachusetts General Hospital. This work was conducted through the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network.
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MM and BH conceptualized and designed the original study from which data were analysed. CH conceptualized the current study, performed the statistical analyses, and drafted the initial manuscript. MM and BH critically reviewed and revised the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
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Harkins, C.M., Handen, B.L. & Mazurek, M.O. The Impact of the Comorbidity of ASD and ADHD on Social Impairment. J Autism Dev Disord 52, 2512–2522 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05150-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05150-1