Overlap in Parent Ratings of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attachment Disorder Symptoms

The current study explored overlaps and differences between parent reports of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attachment Disorder (AD), and examined profiles of children fulfilling criteria for ASD and AD in terms of behaviour problems and attachment styles. 155 parents whose children had a developmental delay/disorder completed the Social Communication Questionnaire, Randolph Attachment Questionnaire, and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire about their children. There was a large overlap in the reported diagnoses and classifications of ASD and AD. Peer problems predicted a reported ASD diagnosis, and conduct problems predicted a reported AD diagnosis. Attachment styles differentiated the diagnosis, with those with ASD showing more ambivalent, and those with AD more avoidant and anxious attachment styles. The current parent reports produced findings similar to those from previous studies using professional ratings, although caution is needed about generalisation given the sample characteristics. The results suggest some fruitful avenues for future studies that could help further differentiate between similar presentations.