Cerebellar function and its impact on neurodevelopmental disorders are areas of intense research interest, particularly concerning ADHD and autism. Both conditions affect at least 6% of children and 3-4% of adults globally, typically presenting with altered cerebellum volume and activation. These traits are significant as they often correlate with sensorimotor and working memory difficulties that individuals with ADHD and autism experience. However, the precise role of the cerebellum and how it links to cognitive and sensorimotor challenges in these conditions remains insufficiently understood.

Research has illustrated that executive function and sensorimotor integration issues are prevalent among individuals with ADHD and autism. Yet, not every person with these diagnoses exhibits such difficulties, and when they do, the severity can differ greatly. Comorbidity adds another layer of complexity, necessitating a deeper exploration of both shared and distinct characteristics across these disorders. Crucially, there is uncertainty regarding treatments; while central nervous system stimulants benefit behavioral issues in ADHD, their impact on cognitive facets such as working memory is debatable. Potential alternatives, like sensory noise stimulation, present new opportunities for intervention. This makes inquiries into whether ADHD and autism individuals respectively face similar or distinct cognitive and sensorimotor difficulties, and how cerebellar functionality differs between the two, extremely important.

This Research Topic aims to illuminate the multifaceted relationships between cerebellar function, cognitive processes, and sensorimotor capabilities in ADHD and autism. We aim to enrich understanding by addressing the following: Are there underlying differences in cerebellar function, cognitive function, and sensorimotor capabilities among individuals with ADHD and autism? Can innovative treatments, such as sensory noise stimulation, serve as viable options for cognitive challenges in these populations?

To gather further insights into these complex dimensions, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Characterizing cognitive and sensorimotor difficulties in subgroups of individuals, both children and adults, with ADHD and autism, in comparison with controls.
- Investigating the association between cognitive and sensorimotor function and cerebellar function.
- Exploring similarities and differences in cerebellar, cognitive, and sensorimotor functions between individuals with ADHD and autism.
- Evaluating the effects of sensory noise treatment on cognitive difficulties in ADHD and autism.

We invite contributions in the form of Original Research, Review, Methodology, and mini-review articles.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Cerebellar function, cognitive effects of sensory noise stimulation, sensory function and motor function in ADHD and autism: differences and similarities