Piecing Together the Puzzle of ADHD & ASD

Abstract

This presentation offers an in-depth exploration of ADHD and ASD in adults, focusing on their overlapping and distinct characteristics. Many adults with comorbid ADHD and ASD struggle with daily functioning and often do not receive the support they need. The evidence will be reviewed and video of an individual with ADHD and ASD will be shared. Clinicians will deepen their understanding of the challenges faced by these individuals, gain valuable insight into their distinct way of thinking, and acquire practical strategies to enhance their skills and improve functional outcomes.

Learning Objectives

Identify overlapping and distinguishing features of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in adults;

2. Explore a patient’s lived experience with comorbid ADHD/ASD; and

3. Review effective approaches to manage comorbid ADHD and ASD to improve executive skills and functional outcomes

Literature References

1. Leitner Y. Front Hum Neurosci. 2014:8:268; Rommelse NN, et al. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2010;19(3):281-95.
2. Sokolova E, et al. J Autism Dev Disord. 2017;47(6):1595-1604; Tamon H, et al. Am J Psychiatry. 2024;181(6):541–552.
3. Zhang J, et al. Transl Psychiatry. 2024;14(1):92; Zhang K, et al. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2023:124:110731
4. Camille Hours, et al. Front Psychiatry. 2022:13:837424.
5. Eaton C, et al. J Atten Disord. 2023;27(12):1360-1376.
6. Hollingdale J, et al. Psychol Med. 2020;50(13):2240-2253.
7. Lau-Zhu A, et al. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2019:96:93-115.
8. Rong Y, et al. Res Autism Spectr Disord. 2021(83):101759
9. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed. (DSM-5). 2013.
10. Corbisiero S, et al. Atten Defic Hyperact Disord. 2013;5(2):83-92; Glöckner-Rist A, et al. J Atten Disord. 2013;17(2):114-127
11. Barkley, RA, et al. ADHD in Adults: What the Science Says. 2008. New York, Guilford Press.
12. Brown, TE. Attention Deficit Disorder: The Unfocused Mind in Children and Adults. 2005. New Haven, CT, Yale University Press Health and Wellness
13. Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance (CADDRA). Canadian ADHD Practice Guidelines, 4.1 Edition, Toronto, ON; CADDRA, 2020
14. National Health Service (NHS). Signs of autism in adults. 2022. Available at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/signs/adults
15. Autism and ADHD (AuDHD): Co-occurrence and Similarities. 2024. Available at: www.simplypsychology.org
16. French B, et al. J Atten Disord. 2023;27(12):1393-9.
17. Barkley RA, et al. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Handbook for Diagnosis and Treatment. 3rd ed. New York, NY: Guilford Press; 2006.
18. Bernardi S, et al. Psychol Med. 2012;42(4):875-887; Biederman J, et al. J Clin Psych. 2006;67(4):524-540; Brod M, et al. Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2012;10:47.
19. Matza LS, et al. Cost Eff Resour Alloc. 2005;3:5; Pitts M, et al. Arch Psychiatr Nurs. 2015;29(1):56-63; Wilens TE. Psychiatric Clin North Am. 2004;27(2):283-301
20. Faraone SV. Using a meta-analysis to draw conclusions about ADHD medication effects.
21. American Psychiatric Association; May 21, 2003; San Francisco, Calif.
22. Aman MG, et al. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2008;17(4):713-738, vii.
23. Handen BL, et al. J Autism Dev Disord, 2000;30(3):245-55.
24. Joshi G, et al. World J Biol Psychiatry. 2020;21(4):274-290.
25. Zeiner P, et al. Acta Paediatr. 2011;100(9):1258-1261.
26. Young S, et al. BMC Med. 2020;18(1):146.
27. Harfterkamp M, et al. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2012;51(7):733-41; Posey DJ, et al. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2006;16(5):599-610; Zeiner P, et al. Acta Paediatr. 2011;100(9):1258-1261
28. Scahill L, et al. Am J Psychiatry. 2015;172(12):1197-1206; Scahill L, et al. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2006;16(5):589-598; Politte LC, et al. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2018;43(8):1772-1778.