Anxiety in Individuals with ASD: Prevalence, Phenomenology, Etiology, Assessment, and Interventions

Steensel, Francisca J. A. van; Bögels, Susan M.; Magiati, Iliani; Perrin, Sean

doi:10.1007/978-1-4614-4788-7_31

Cited by 10 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 56 publications

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“…Moreover, there is some suggestive evidence that these problems may be driving the emergence of social interaction difficulties that over the course of development create a profile of impairments that lead to the ASD diagnosis in individuals with FXS. Although problems in the domains of anxiety and hyperactivity occur in ASD ( Eussen et al, 2013 ; van Steensel et al, 2014 ), they do not appear to be causally linked to autism symptoms in the same manner in ASD as for FXS.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 96%

The fragile X syndromeâ€“autism comorbidity: what do we really know?

2014

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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common comorbid condition in people with fragile X syndrome (FXS). It has been assumed that ASD symptoms reflect the same underlying psychological and neurobiological impairments in both FXS and non-syndromic ASD, which has led to the claim that targeted pharmaceutical treatments that are efficacious for core symptoms of FXS are likely to be beneficial for non-syndromic ASD as well. In contrast, we present evidence from a variety of sources suggesting that there are important differences in ASD symptoms, behavioral and psychiatric correlates, and developmental trajectories between individuals with comorbid FXS and ASD and those with non-syndromic ASD. We also present evidence suggesting that social impairments may not distinguish individuals with FXS with and without ASD. Finally, we present data that demonstrate that the neurobiological substrates of the behavioral impairments, including those reflecting core ASD symptoms, are different in FXS and non-syndromic ASD. Together, these data suggest that there are clinically important differences between FXS and non-syndromic ASD that are masked by reliance on the categorical diagnosis of ASD. We argue for use of a symptom-based approach in future research, including studies designed to evaluate treatment efficacy.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 96%

The fragile X syndromeâ€“autism comorbidity: what do we really know?

2014

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“…Therefore it seems that children with ASD are more prone for anxiety problems than other—typically developing and clinically referred—children. Different explanations for these findings have been suggested by various authors (see Bellini 2006 , who propose a model for the development of social anxiety in ASD; Wood and Gadow 2010 , who propose a model in which ASD and anxiety exacerbate each other; van Steensel et al ( 2014 ) who do not propose an explicit model for the development of anxiety in ASD but do consider other family factors (e.g., parental stress/anxiety, parenting behaviors), next to genetic and ASD-related factors). Taken together, it is thought that children with ASD have a neurobiological predisposition which cause ASD-related difficulties which, in combination with environmental factors (bullying, parenting, etc.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Anxiety Levels in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-Analysis

Steensel

Heeman²

2017

J Child Fam Stud

185

126

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The aim of the current study was to meta-analytically examine whether anxiety levels in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are elevated. A total of 83 articles were selected from a systematic literature search and were included in the meta-analyses. Results demonstrated that children with ASD had higher anxiety levels compared to typically developing children, and this difference increased with IQ. Youth with ASD also tended to have higher anxiety levels compared to clinically referred children, and this difference increased with age. Children with ASD had higher anxiety levels compared to youth with externalizing or developmental problems, but not when compared to youth with internalizing problems. The study findings highlight the importance of more research in order to fully understand the nature and development of anxiety in children with ASD. More specifically, the results suggest that especially high-functioning adolescents with ASD may be at risk for developing anxiety disorders. Therefore, it seems important to carefully follow and monitor children with ASD transcending to adolescence.

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“…Social skill difficulties and psychological hyperarousal leading to social anxiety is one explanation for higher rates of anxiety disorders ( Bellini, 2006 ). Other theories suggest that the interaction between autism-specific difficulties and environmental challenges, such as bullying, contribute to elevated anxiety ( van Steensel et al., 2014 ). The overlap in defining characteristics between autism and anxiety disorders may also play a part in explaining the higher prevalence rates of anxiety disorders in this group.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A comparison of the content and nature of worries of autistic and neurotypical young people as they transition from school

Waldman

McPaul

Jahoda

2022

Autism

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The prevalence of anxiety is higher in autistic young people, compared to neurotypical youths. However, the nature of worry in autistic young people is under-researched. Transition from secondary school is a time of change and can be challenging for autistic adolescents. This project explored the content and emotional impact of worries in neurotypical and autistic young people during transition. Twenty-two autistic people and 22 neurotypical people, aged 16–18, were recruited from mainstream schools. Participants completed a novel task to identify and explore the nature of their main worries. The participants’ worry frequency and distress levels in relation to their most salient concerns, and their anxiety levels, were measured. Content analysis highlighted similarities and differences between the two groups’ worries. Both groups worried about failure and their prospects of further education. Autistic people were more concerned about change and friendship, whereas more salient worries for neurotypical individuals were about work and money. Autistic people were more distressed by their worries than neurotypical individuals. Findings regarding the nature of autistic young people’s worries may help inform interventions. Moreover, asking autistic people about their worries as they leave school may help to address their concerns, ease their transition and reduce distress. Lay abstract Autistic young people experience higher levels of anxiety than neurotypical young people. Having worries is part of feeling anxious. This makes it surprising that very little research has looked at the kind of worries autistic young people have. Leaving school, in particular, can be a worrying time for young people. Twenty-two autistic young people and 22 neurotypical young people who were at mainstream secondary schools agreed to take part in the study. They were between 16 and 18 years of age. They were asked to sort through a series of pictures, showing the different types of worries that young people might experience. They were then asked to pick out their four main worries and say how much they thought about each worry and how upset the worry made them. They also completed a questionnaire about their level of anxiety. There were similarities and differences between the autistic and neurotypical young people’s worries. Both groups worried about failing and how they might get on in further education. The autistic young people were more worried about change and friendships. Work and money were particular concerns for the neurotypical young people. The autistic young people said that they found their worries more upsetting than the neurotypical young people. Having a better understanding of autistic young people’s worries at important points in their lives might mean that more timely help and support can be given to them. Simply knowing what to ask young autistic school leavers about may help them to express unspoken concerns.

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Anxiety in Individuals with ASD: Prevalence, Phenomenology, Etiology, Assessment, and Interventions

Cited by 10 publications

References 56 publications

The fragile X syndromeâ€“autism comorbidity: what do we really know?

The fragile X syndromeâ€“autism comorbidity: what do we really know?

Anxiety Levels in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-Analysis

A comparison of the content and nature of worries of autistic and neurotypical young people as they transition from school

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