Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised Profiles in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Impact of Comorbid Autistic Traits
TL;DR
The significant difference observed exclusively in the Block Design subtest suggests that comorbid autistic traits in children with ADHD may specifically impair visual–spatial and motor-integrated skills.
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to identify cognitive differences between children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with and without comorbid autistic traits by using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R). Methods: This retrospective study evaluated children aged 8-16 years diagnosed with ADHD according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition criteria. Participants were stratified based on their Social Responsiveness Scale scores to assess autistic traits. Exclusion criteria comprised autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, and a Full-Scale IQ below 70. Cognitive profiles were assessed using the WISC-R. To control for Type I error across the 12 WISC-R variables, a Bonferroni correction adjusted the statistical significance threshold to P < .004. Results: The cohort included 16 children with autistic traits and 20 without. Only the WISC-R Block Design subtest revealed a significant difference, with lower scores observed in the group with autistic traits (P = .003). No significant differences were found in full-Scale, verbal, or performance IQ scores. Conclusion: The significant difference observed exclusively in the Block Design subtest suggests that comorbid autistic traits in children with ADHD may specifically impair visual–spatial and motor-integrated skills. Future studies incorporating objective motor assessments are warranted to further elucidate these cognitive relationships.