We stratified 123 treatment seeking adults with ASD (n = 70) or ADHD (n = 53), into current, former and no history of SUD (SUD+, SUD, and SUD−), and conducted interviews to explore associated risk factors and current levels of disability.
Prevalence of co-morbid SUD was higher in ADHD than in ASD in our sample (58 % versus 30 % , p = 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between ASD and ADHD in risk factors or disability scores. Patients with lifetime SUD started regular smoking earlier in life (OR = 5.69, C95 % 2.3–13.8), reported more adverse family events (OR = 2.68; CI95 % 1.2–6.1), and had more parental SUD (OR = 5.36; CI95 % 1.0–14.5). Disability scores were significantly lower in SUD− and SUD groups compared to the SUD+ group.
These findings suggest that ASD and ADHD share similar risk factors for SUD. High disability in ASD and ADHD with SUD may normalize after prolonged abstinence. Early onset of SUD was not associated with more severe disability scores than later onset. Results suggest that a subgroup of patients with former SUD may have a higher level of functioning before the onset of SUD in comparison to those without lifetime SUD.