THE ROLE OF CHILD CHARACTERISTICS AND ASD SYMPTOMATOLOGY IN ANXIETY: FINDINGS FROM A LARGE POOLED INTERNATIONAL DATABASE OF CAREGIVER-REPORTED ANXIETY

Abstract

Anxiety is a common co-occurring condition with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), suggesting that certain characteristics of individuals with ASD may be risk factors for development of anxiety. However, literature regarding associations between child characteristics and anxiety in ASD is inconsistent. This thesis examined associations between a variety of child characteristics (age, gender, cognitive functioning and severity of ASD and individual ASD symptoms) and presentations of anxiety based on the Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale- Parent Version (SCAS-P), using a large pooled international sample of children and adolescents with ASD from UK, Singapore and US. Regression and moderation analyses using the child characteristic variables were conducted for SCAS-P total and subscale anxiety scores. ASD symptoms of adherence to routine, intense special interests, sensory hypersensitivity and emotional detachment, together with chronological age, were identified as the most consistent predictors of anxiety. Tentative support that moderation effects may exist was also found. Implications of these findings towards future research and clinical practice are discussed.