Associations between executive function and core symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults with autism spectrum disorder: Controlling for theory of mind, and age

Abstract

This study aims to use the Executive Function Indicators (EFI) with ecological dimensions to reflect the actual daily executive function of adults with ASD, while controlling for cognitive influencing factors (ToM, and age), to further explore the association between EFI and ADHD symptoms and core symptoms in adults with ASD. 120 participants were selected as the planned sample size. Age, and Happé Strange Stories score were controlled for to analyze the association between EF and ADHD symptoms and ASD symptoms (Social, Communication, and Repetitive Behaviors/Restricted Interests). These results indicate that daily executive function deficits in children with ASD are generally associated with ADHD symptoms and the severity of ASD symptoms, especially with a stronger association with ADHD symptoms. Daily EF deficits can explain more variation in the severity of ADHD symptoms. In addition to daily executive function, theory of mind ability and age are also important factors influencing the social functioning of adults with ASD. In the multiple linear regression analysis, deficits in EF were significantly associated with the severity of ASD and ADHD symptoms, especially with ADHD symptoms. No moderating effect was found on the association between The Happé Strange Stories score and age on daily EF.