Special characteristics in the multiaxial classification, developmental history, and psychopathology in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to compare the ICD-10 multiaxial classification scheme (MAS), developmental history, and psychopathology in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with or without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD. A total of 120 patients were included in the study (ASD: n = 60; ASD + ADHD: n = 60). Data were obtained from each child’s developmental history, family history, the MAS, and diagnostic measures (MBAS, FSK, SRS, CBCL). In the group ASD + ADHD, mothers consumed more toxic substances during pregnancy than in the ASD group. In both ASD and ASD+ADHD, fathers tended to be employed in an academic or technical setting. In the questionnaires an increased rate of external psychopathological symptomswas found in ASD + ADHD. In summary, patients with ASD and comorbid ADHS demonstrated a higher rate of comorbid psychopathology than reported in previous studies. This result should be taken into account in diagnostics and therapy.