| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 371263 | Research in Developmental Disabilities | 2013 | 12 Pages |
Children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID) are at heightened risk for developing ADHD. However, the validity of ADHD as a diagnosis for youth with ID remains controversial. To advance research on validity, the present study examined the hypothesized precursors to ADHD in typically developing adolescents (TD) and adolescents with ID, specifically with regard to family history of ADHD, molecular genetics, and neuropsychological functioning. Results indicated that youth ADHD symptoms were related to parental ADHD symptoms regardless of the adolescent's cognitive functioning. Additionally, findings suggested that the DRD4 genetic variant and adolescent set-shifting abilities were related to adolescent ADHD symptoms independent of cognitive functioning. This study provides an initial investigation of the biological correlates of ADHD among youth with ID.
► Youth with intellectual disability (ID) are at heightened risk for developing ADHD. ► We examined “pre-pathway” factors thought to underlie a diagnosis of ADHD. ► Youth ADHD symptoms were associated with parental ADHD symptoms. ► DRD4 genetic variant predicted ADHD symptoms in ID and typically developing samples. ► Set-shifting abilities were also related to ADHD symptoms in both samples.
