ANXIETY SYMPTOMS IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER AND IMPLICATIONS FOR FAMILY LIFE

Abstract

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) commonly experience comorbid anxiety disorders and anxiety symptoms. Recent research suggests that anxiety, while commonly co-occurring with ASD, is a distinct disorder and may exacerbate negative social, emotional, and behavioral outcomes for ASD individuals. This project examined differences in parent-reported symptoms of ASD and anxiety disorders in children with ASD aged 5-12, and the role of these symptoms in child and family functioning. Parents completed a survey in which they answered questions about the frequency of their child’s symptoms, skills and behaviors, as well as their own experience of parenting and quality of family life. ASD core symptoms and anxiety symptoms were both related to child functioning and family outcomes, suggesting that children with ASD who experience co-occurring anxiety may experience greater difficulties than those they experience due to ASD core symptoms alone. ASD and anxiety were also demonstrated to uniquely predict the frequency of challenging behaviors, which subsequently were associated with more difficult parent experience and family life.