Using the Autism-Spectrum Quotient to Discriminate Autism Spectrum Disorder from ADHD in Adult Patients With and Without Comorbid Substance Use Disorder

It is unknown whether the Autism-spectrum quotient (AQ) can discriminate between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) with or without comorbid Substance Use Disorder (SUD). ANOVA’s were used to analyse the mean AQ (sub)scores of 129 adults with ASD or ADHD. We applied receiver operating characteristic (ROC) computations to assess discriminant power. All but one of the mean AQ (sub)scores were significantly higher for adults with ASD compared to those with ADHD. The SUD status in general was not significantly associated with AQ (sub)scores. On the Social Skills subscale patients with ASD and comorbid SUD showed less impairment than those without SUD. The cut-off score 26 yielded 73% correct classifications. The clinical use of the AQ in differentiating between ASD and ADHD is limited

Treatment seeking adults with autism or ADHD and co-morbid Substance Use Disorder: Prevalence, risk factors and functional disability

Background: Little is known about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in adults, especially not about ASD with co-morbid Substance Use Disorder (SUD). We wanted to examine how adults with ASD compare to adults with ADHD on prevalence and risk factors for co-morbid SUD, and on disability levels associated with SUD. Methods: We stratified 123 treatment seeking adults with ASD (n=70) or ADHD (n=53), into current, former and no history of SUD (SUD+, SUD boolean AND, and SUD-), and conducted interviews to explore associated risk factors and Current levels of disability. Results: Prevalence of co-morbid SUD was higher in ADHD than in ASD in our sample (58% versus 30%, p=0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between ASD and ADHD in risk factors or disability scores. Patients with lifetime SUD Started regular smoking earlier in life (OR=5.69, C-95% 2.3-13.8), reported more adverse family events (OR= 2.68: CI95% 1.2-6.1), and had more parental SUD (OR=5.36; CI95% 1.0-14.5). Disability scores were significantly lower in SUD- and SUD boolean AND groups compared to the SUD+ group. Discussion: These findings suggest that ASD and ADHD share similar risk factors for SLID. High disability in ASD and ADHD with SUD may normalize after prolonged abstinence. Early onset of SUD was not associated with more severe disability scores than later onset. Results suggest that a subgroup of patients with former SUD may have a higher level of functioning before the onset of SUD in comparison to those without lifetime SUD. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserve