1852 - ATTENTIONAL PROFILES IN ADULTS WITH ADHD AND ASD SYMPTOMS

Session: P_D14S003 - Poster Session 3 - Division 14
AUTHORS:
Carreiro Luiz Renato (Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie ~ São Paulo ~ Brazil) , Silva Mayara Miyahara Moraes (Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie ~ São Paulo ~ Brazil) , Paes Izabella Trinta (Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie ~ São Paulo ~ Brazil) , Gotuzo Seabra Alessandra (Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie ~ São Paulo ~ Brazil) , Matteucci Maria Cristina (Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie ~ São Paulo ~ Brazil) , Blascovi De Assis Silvana Maria (Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie ~ São Paulo ~ Brazil)
Abstract text:
Introduction: Neurodevelopmental disorders are complex due to early-onset symptoms that persist into adulthood. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) share common deficits, such as inattention, distractibility, low sustained attention, emotional dysregulation, inhibitory control difficulties, and hyperactivity. Genetic and neuroimaging findings suggest shared pathophysiological mechanisms, with up to 70% of children with ASD also showing ADHD symptoms. Given this variability, a dimensional framework is recommended for their analysis. Purpose: Characterize attentional profiles in adults, comparing performance based on ADHD and ASD symptoms. Different types of attention (voluntary, automatic, and temporal) were assessed to identify similarities and differences from a dimensional perspective. Method: A cross-sectional, exploratory design was applied to a convenience sample of 120 adults (18-59 years) with attentional complaints, inattention, hyperactivity, and executive function problems. Computerized tests assessed attention, while participants completed the Conners Continuous Performance Test (CPT II), the Autism Spectrum Quotient - Adults (AQ 16+), and the Adult Self-Report Scale 18 (ASRS) for ADHD symptoms. The Adult Self-Report (ASR/18-59) evaluated adaptive functioning and emotional, behavioral, and social problems, providing a comprehensive psychological profile. Results: Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Latent Profile Analysis (LPA), a categorical approach that identifies latent subpopulations based on selected variables. The best-fitting model revealed three profiles: profile 1 (n = 50), characterized by inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity consistent with ADHD; profile 2 (n = 27), showing a balance between cognitive skills and social functioning, with attention patterns overlapping with other groups; and profile 3 (n = 43), marked by low social skills and alternating attention. Conclusions: Findings highlight diverse attentional profiles and complex interactions between ADHD, social skills, and attention task performance. These results reinforce the heterogeneity and dimensionality of ADHD and ASD, reflecting altered neurocognitive and neurobehavioral functioning, and provide valuable insights for clinical identification and intervention strategies.