Anxiety in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Behavioural Phenotypes and Environmental Factors

Anxiety is the most prevalent comorbidity among children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The phenotypical presentation of anxiety among children and adolescents with ASD is lacking within the literature. This study sought to differentiate behavioral phenotypes associated with anxiety in children with ASD from anxiety in typically-developing children. Participants completed a series of child and parent reports measuring anxiety, depressive symptoms, ASD symptom severity, emotional problems, parental stress, and socioeconomic factors. Three distinct anxiety profiles, including moderate, high, and low, were identified. Results demonstrated that depression is the strongest predictor of high anxiety among children and adolescents with ASD. Additionally, frequent peer problems result in reports of high anxiety and depressive symptoms in children and adolescents with ASD. Early intervention to develop and strengthen social and communication skills is critical to minimize peer problems and manage depression among children and adolescents with ASD who have anxiety.

Name thesis:degree_name

MA

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Education

Grantor dc:publisher

The University of Western Ontario

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Leachman, Caitlin E

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Duerden, Emma G.

• Autism spectrum disorder
• anxiety
• ASD-specific anxiety
• depression
• peer problems

Language dc:language.iso

en_ca

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14721/37674

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:uwo.scholaris.ca:20.500.14721/37674