The importance of needs-based approaches for autism, ADHD and auDHD: Transdiagnostic profiles of attention, sensory processing, and anxiety

Recent advances emphasise the importance of taking a transdiagnostic approach to understanding neurodivergence. This is particularly relevant when studying transdiagnostic concepts known to be associated with neurodivergence such as anxiety, sensory processing, inattention and their relevance to everyday functioning. The current study asks i) what are the profiles for sensory processing, anxiety, inattention, and adaptive behaviour if children are considered in terms of diagnostic groups – e.g. autism, ADHD, auDHD, neurotypical? and ii) if we take a data-driven approach do participants cluster by diagnostic group or by level of need? Parents completed standardised questionnaires and data were analysed for 86 children aged 6-11 years (autism N=25; auDHD N=16; ADHD N=16; neurotypical N=29). As well as group-based analyses, cluster analytic methods were used to understand transdiagnostic profiles of need. The analysis indicated that neurodivergent individuals do not cluster by diagnostic status, but rather by level of needs, especially when an autism diagnosis is present (single or co-occurring with ADHD). Needs-based clustering of neurodivergent individuals should be prioritised to drive forward both theoretical understanding and support.