Abstract
Peer problems are common among children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and may be exacerbated among
those who are also anxious. Yet, few data exist on the nature and psychosocial correlates of peer victimization in youth with
ASD and anxiety. Accordingly, this study investigated associations among peer victimization, loneliness, autism-related social
impairment, and psychopathology in a sample of 60 youth (ages 11–14 years) with ASD and co-occurring anxiety. Youth completed
measures of peer victimization, loneliness, anxiety, and depression, while their parent completed measures of child behavioral
and emotional problems, functional impairment in daily life, and autism-related social impairment. Modest rates of victimization
were noted, with ~7 % and 15 % of youth reporting clinically significant relational and reputational victimization but 0 %
of participants endorsing significant overt victimization. Peer victimization was directly but modestly associated with some
psychosocial maladjustment indices, but not with autism-related social impairment. Although results have to be considered
in the context of certain limitations, these data suggest that peer victimization may be associated with anxiety and depressive
symptoms and loneliness in children with ASD and comorbid anxiety.
those who are also anxious. Yet, few data exist on the nature and psychosocial correlates of peer victimization in youth with
ASD and anxiety. Accordingly, this study investigated associations among peer victimization, loneliness, autism-related social
impairment, and psychopathology in a sample of 60 youth (ages 11–14 years) with ASD and co-occurring anxiety. Youth completed
measures of peer victimization, loneliness, anxiety, and depression, while their parent completed measures of child behavioral
and emotional problems, functional impairment in daily life, and autism-related social impairment. Modest rates of victimization
were noted, with ~7 % and 15 % of youth reporting clinically significant relational and reputational victimization but 0 %
of participants endorsing significant overt victimization. Peer victimization was directly but modestly associated with some
psychosocial maladjustment indices, but not with autism-related social impairment. Although results have to be considered
in the context of certain limitations, these data suggest that peer victimization may be associated with anxiety and depressive
symptoms and loneliness in children with ASD and comorbid anxiety.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category ORIGINAL ARTICLE
- Pages 1-16
- DOI 10.1007/s10882-012-9290-4
- Authors
- Eric A. Storch, Department of Pediatrics, Rothman Center for Neuropsychiatry, University of South Florida, 880 6th Street South, Suite 460, Box 7523, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
- Michael J. Larson, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Center, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
- Jill Ehrenreich-May, Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Elysse B. Arnold, Department of Pediatrics, Rothman Center for Neuropsychiatry, University of South Florida, 880 6th Street South, Suite 460, Box 7523, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
- Anna M. Jones, Department of Pediatrics, Rothman Center for Neuropsychiatry, University of South Florida, 880 6th Street South, Suite 460, Box 7523, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
- Patricia Renno, Department of Educational Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Cori Fujii, Department of Educational Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Adam B. Lewin, Department of Pediatrics, Rothman Center for Neuropsychiatry, University of South Florida, 880 6th Street South, Suite 460, Box 7523, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
- P. Jane Mutch, Department of Pediatrics, Rothman Center for Neuropsychiatry, University of South Florida, 880 6th Street South, Suite 460, Box 7523, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
- Tanya K. Murphy, Department of Pediatrics, Rothman Center for Neuropsychiatry, University of South Florida, 880 6th Street South, Suite 460, Box 7523, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
- Jeffrey J. Wood, Department of Educational Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Journal Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities
- Online ISSN 1573-3580
- Print ISSN 1056-263X