A-34 Comparison of BRIEF, SRS Relationships among Children with Autism and Comorbid ADHD

Abstract

Abstract Objective Recent investigations have found specific relationships between subscales of the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning (BRIEF) among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Aim: Examine whether Social-Executive relationships differ among individuals with ASD versus comorbid autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ASD + ADHD). Method Parent ratings on the SRS and BRIEF were obtained from the ABIDE-II database. Final sample: 25 ASD, 37 ASD + ADHD (5–12 years). T-tests examined group differences in BRIEF and SRS T-scores. Hierarchical multiple regressions examined the effect of BRIEF Index T-scores (Metacognition, MI; Behavioral Regulation, BRI) on SRS total and subscale T-scores, as well as the potential moderating effect of comorbid ADHD diagnosis. Results T-tests revealed that the ASD + ADHD group had higher severity T-scores on the BRIEF MI (T = 3.70, p < 0.01) and SRS Awareness (T = 4.00, p < 0.001) scales. ADHD diagnosis was associated with less severe deficits in social cognition (B = −6.33, p = 0.02). However, ADHD diagnosis did not significantly moderate the relationship between BRIEF and SRS scores. The relationship between BRIEF BRI and SRS Motivation was marginally significant and stronger among children with ADHD (B = 0.81, p = 0.0513). Conclusions Overall, similar profile of social-executive relationships were observed among participants with ASD and ASD + ADHD. ADHD diagnosis was associated with better understanding of social situations and ability to interpret social cues appropriately. There is some indication that ADHD diagnosis may be associated with a stronger relationship between behavior regulation and social motivation. Future work should replicate these findings with a larger sample size.