Cognitive Reflection Test and the ADHD's inattention symptoms

Attentional function is important in the diagnosis of both ADHD and autism. Specifically, whereas individuals with ADHD exhibit inattention, people with ASD are characterized by good attention to detail (which is sometimes coupled with a reduced ability to process the “big picture”). Elisa and Perris (2015) investigated the relation between the typical symptoms of ADHD (i.e., inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity) and CRT performance. Elisa and Perris (2015) reported that only inattention was a significant predictor of cognitive reflection, and it predicted CRT performance even when the effect of verbal IQ was controlled. We aimed at investigating the relationship between inattention/attention to detail and performance on the CRT, taking into account participants’ age (Study1), gender (Study 1-2), diagnostic status (ASD/typically developed – Study 2) and verbal intelligence (Study 2).