Abstract
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Williams syndrome are vulnerable to anxiety. The factors that contribute to this
risk remain unclear. This study compared anxiety in autism spectrum disorder and Williams Syndrome and examined the relationship
between repetitive behaviours and anxiety. Thirty-four children with autism and twenty children with Williams Syndrome were
assessed with measures of anxiety and repetitive behaviours. Children with autism had higher levels of anxiety. Within the
autism sample higher levels of repetitive behaviours were associated with more anxiety. This was not replicated in the Williams
Syndrome sample, indicating a differential role for restricted and repetitive behaviours in relation to anxiety. Understanding
the links between repetitive behaviours and anxiety is essential for effective intervention.
risk remain unclear. This study compared anxiety in autism spectrum disorder and Williams Syndrome and examined the relationship
between repetitive behaviours and anxiety. Thirty-four children with autism and twenty children with Williams Syndrome were
assessed with measures of anxiety and repetitive behaviours. Children with autism had higher levels of anxiety. Within the
autism sample higher levels of repetitive behaviours were associated with more anxiety. This was not replicated in the Williams
Syndrome sample, indicating a differential role for restricted and repetitive behaviours in relation to anxiety. Understanding
the links between repetitive behaviours and anxiety is essential for effective intervention.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-6
- DOI 10.1007/s10803-011-1225-x
- Authors
- Jacqui Rodgers, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Institute of Neuroscience, Clinical Psychology, Newcastle University, Ridley Building, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU UK
- Deborah M. Riby, Faculty of Medical Sciences, School of Psychology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Emily Janes, Faculty of Medical Sciences, School of Psychology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Brenda Connolly, Faculty of Medical Sciences, School of Psychology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Helen McConachie, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Journal Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
- Online ISSN 1573-3432
- Print ISSN 0162-3257