HFA and ADHD: a direct comparison on state regulation and response inhibition

J Clin Exp Neuropsychol. 2007 May;29(4):418-27. doi: 10.1080/13803390600737990.

Abstract

This study examined whether children with high-functioning autism (HFA) are easily overaroused/activated and whether children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are easily underaroused/activated. This double dissociation was tested using a go/no-go paradigm with computer-paced fast and slow conditions and a self-paced condition. In the HFA group, a performance decline in the fast condition and slow performance in the self-paced condition were expected. In the ADHD group, a performance decline in the slow condition and fast performance in the self-paced condition were expected. No difference was found between groups for state regulation and response inhibition. Findings are discussed in the light of development, comorbidity, and subtypes.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / physiopathology*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / psychology*
  • Autistic Disorder / physiopathology*
  • Autistic Disorder / psychology*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inhibition, Psychological*
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests / statistics & numerical data
  • Problem Solving / physiology*
  • Reaction Time / physiology