Abstract
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are fairly common psychiatric conditions that impair the
functioning of otherwise healthy young adults. Given that the two conditions frequently co-occur, measurement of the characteristics
unique to each condition is critical. This study evaluated the structure and construct overlap of two screening measures of
SAD and ASD. Results from 623 young adults indicated that separable, though highly correlated, factors can be derived from
the two measures related to social anxiety and social difficulties. The ASD screening measure also taps unique factors related
to restricted interests and attention to details, theory of mind deficits, and a preference for routine. Recommendations are
provided for accurate screening of symptoms of both SAD and ASD.
functioning of otherwise healthy young adults. Given that the two conditions frequently co-occur, measurement of the characteristics
unique to each condition is critical. This study evaluated the structure and construct overlap of two screening measures of
SAD and ASD. Results from 623 young adults indicated that separable, though highly correlated, factors can be derived from
the two measures related to social anxiety and social difficulties. The ASD screening measure also taps unique factors related
to restricted interests and attention to details, theory of mind deficits, and a preference for routine. Recommendations are
provided for accurate screening of symptoms of both SAD and ASD.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-11
- DOI 10.1007/s10803-011-1325-7
- Authors
- Susan W. White, Department of Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 109 Williams Hall (0436), Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Bethany C. Bray, Department of Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 109 Williams Hall (0436), Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Thomas H. Ollendick, Department of Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 109 Williams Hall (0436), Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Journal Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
- Online ISSN 1573-3432
- Print ISSN 0162-3257