Now in its fourth year, the ongoing Autism HERO study aims to better understand the co-occurrence of ADHD and anxiety in young autistic children. Led by Kimberly Carpenter, PhD, the research team continues to focus on recruitment and assessment, as well as refining their data analysis plans. They have begun sharing early findings by submitting abstracts to national and international conferences planned for 2025.
One of the most significant outcomes of the HERO project is the development of a comprehensive diagnostic tool for identifying co-occurring ADHD and anxiety in young autistic children. This interview builds upon the Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule – Parent version (ADIS-P) with Autism Spectrum Addendum (ADIS/ASA), developed by HERO co-investigator Connor Kerns, PhD, of the University of British Columbia.
The HERO team has expanded upon the ADIS/ASA with interview questions that enhance differentiation of ADHD and autism. Their findings support the expanded questionnaire as a reliable and valid measure of anxiety and ADHD in pre-school and early school-aged autistic children and demonstrate that the ADIS/ASA can differentiate anxiety and ADHD symptoms. Their results suggest that, for some autistic children, experiences of anxiety and ADHD may converge with or amplify core features of autism–including social cognitive differences and restricted and repetitive behaviors–and externalizing behaviors. The team is also beginning to better understand how co-occurring ADHD and anxiety uniquely and jointly impact both the behavior and brain activity of young autistic children.