Where are the strongest associations between autistic traits and traits of ADHD? evidence from a community-based twin study.

ABSTRACT: Autism spectrum conditions (ASC) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) regularly co-occur. Twin studies increasingly indicate that these conditions may have overlapping genetic causes. Less is known about the degree to which specific autistic traits relate to specific behaviours characteristic of ADHD. We hence tested, using the classical twin design, whether specific dimensional autistic traits, including social difficulties, communication atypicalities and repetitive behaviours, would display differential degrees of aetiological overlap with specific traits of ADHD, including hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattention. Parents of approximately 4,000 pairs of 12-year-old twins completed the Childhood Autism Spectrum Test and Conners' Parent Rating Scale. These measures were d

SUBMITTER: Taylor MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4554745 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature