Diagnosis and classification of high-functional autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder by combining empathy and executive function

Objective To explore the significance of empathy and executive function indexes in the diagnosis and classification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods According to DSM-Ⅴ diagnostic criteria, 33 children with ASD, 30 children with ADHD and 39 typical development (TD) children and adolescents were enrolled as the research subjects.The empathy and executive function characteristics were compared and analyzed in the subjects.Based on empathy and executive function indicators, the three groups of subjects were diagnosed and classified by machine learning method. Results The total score of Griffith empathy measure parent ratings(GEM-PR)(ASD: (0.67±0.64), ADHD: (1.00±0.79), TD: (0.98±0.73)) and each factor score (F=3.595-10.363, all P<0.05) and the total score of behavior rating inventory of executive function(BRIEF)(ASD: (62.79±7.45), ADHD: (59.47±8.77), TD: (49.08±7.91)) and each factor score of the three groups were different (F=6.557-33.205, all P<0.01). Among them, the scores of empathy and executive function in ASD and ADHD groups were generally higher than those in TD children (all P<0.05). When combined with BRIEF scale and GEM scale, the classification accuracy of the three groups reached 62.75%. Conclusion Both ASD and ADHD children have damages in empathy and executive function.Combining empathy and executive function indexes are more helpful for diagnosis and classification than single index. Key words: Autism spectrum disorder; Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; Empathy; Executive function; Diagnosis and classification