Exploring the manifestations of anxiety in children with autism spectrum disorders

Victoria Hallett, Luc Lecavalier, Denis G. Sukhodolsky, Noreen Cipriano, Michael G. Aman, James T. McCracken, Christopher J. McDougle, Elaine Tierney, Bryan H. King, Eric Hollander, Linmarie Sikich, Joel Bregman, Evdokia Anagnostou, Craig Donnelly, Lily Katsovich, Kimberly Dukes, Benedetto Vitiello, Kenneth Gadow, Lawrence Scahill

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

98 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study explores the manifestation and measurement of anxiety symptoms in 415 children with ASDs on a 20-item, parent-rated, DSM-IV referenced anxiety scale. In both high and low-functioning children (IQ above vs. below 70), commonly endorsed items assessed restlessness, tension and sleep difficulties. Items requiring verbal expression of worry by the child were rarely endorsed. Higher anxiety was associated with functional language, IQ above 70 and higher scores on several other behavioral measures. Four underlying factors emerged: Generalized Anxiety, Separation Anxiety, Social Anxiety and Over-arousal. Our findings extend our understanding of anxiety across IQ in ASD and provide guidance for improving anxiety outcome measurement.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2341-2352
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Volume43
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2013

Keywords

  • Anxiety
  • Autism spectrum disorders
  • Clinical Trials
  • Measurement

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Developmental and Educational Psychology

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