Background and Objective:

Background: The present study investigates the relationship between attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) and the severity of symptoms in children with autistic spectrum disorder.

Methods: The study was conducted on 80 patients with autistic spectrum disorder visiting Child Psychiatric Clinic of Tehran Psychiatric Institute. The severity of autistic symptoms was measured by sensory profile questionnaire. The Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scales–Self Report: Screening Version (CAARS–S:SV) and CSI questionnaire were used to determine the severity of ADHD. The data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient through SPSS v.20.

Findings: There is a significant correlation between total scores of Sensory profile and its subscales and total scores of CAARS and CSI (r >+0.5, P<0.001). However, there was not any significant correlation between some subscales of sensory profile questionnaire and the scores of CAARS. These subscales include visual sensitivity (r: + 0.18) and sensory processing in connection with tone/strength (r: +0.17). Also, there was not any significant correlation between the subscale of adjustment in relation to posture/movement processing and total score of sensory profile and CSI (r: +0.22).

Conclusion: There is a significant correlation between ADHD and severity of symptoms of autistic spectrum disorder. Both disorders can increase the severity of symptoms and exacerbate the patients’ recovery process