Mediator role of self-compassion in the relationship between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and academic success

People with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder faces difficult challenges in the transition stages of their life and many people who have traits associated with these disorders do not or can't get a diagnosis. One such transition stage happens during higher education. During this transition stage, difficulties with emotion regulation, self-criticism, stigma, and self-compassion severely affect their well-being. The present study examines the relationship between ADHD and ASD phenotype, self-compassion, and academic success. In this study these relationships were analyzed by using correlation, regression, and mediation analyses. The present study was conducted with 423 participants with the mean age of 22.01±.253. Data was collected online through demographic information form, Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), Autism-Spectrum Quotient (ASQ), and Self-Compassion Scale. According to the findings of the study, ADHD phenotype and ASD phenotype were positively related and both ADHD phenotype and ASD phenotype predicted lower levels of self-compassion. However, there was no significant relationship between academic success and ADHD phenotype, ASD phenotype, and self-compassion.