Abstract
There is considerable evidence that children and adolescents with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) are at increased risk
of anxiety and anxiety disorders. However, it is less clear which of the specific DSM-IV anxiety disorders occur most in this
population. The present study used meta-analytic techniques to help clarify this issue. A systematic review of the literature
identified 31 studies involving 2,121 young people (aged <18 years) with ASD, and where the presence of anxiety disorder was
assessed using standardized questionnaires or diagnostic interviews. Across studies, 39.6% of young people with ASD had at
least one comorbid DSM-IV anxiety disorder, the most frequent being specific phobia (29.8%) followed by OCD (17.4%) and social
anxiety disorder (16.6%). Associations were found between the specific anxiety disorders and ASD subtype, age, IQ, and assessment
method (questionnaire versus interview). Implications for the identification and treatment of anxiety in young people with
ASD are discussed.
of anxiety and anxiety disorders. However, it is less clear which of the specific DSM-IV anxiety disorders occur most in this
population. The present study used meta-analytic techniques to help clarify this issue. A systematic review of the literature
identified 31 studies involving 2,121 young people (aged <18 years) with ASD, and where the presence of anxiety disorder was
assessed using standardized questionnaires or diagnostic interviews. Across studies, 39.6% of young people with ASD had at
least one comorbid DSM-IV anxiety disorder, the most frequent being specific phobia (29.8%) followed by OCD (17.4%) and social
anxiety disorder (16.6%). Associations were found between the specific anxiety disorders and ASD subtype, age, IQ, and assessment
method (questionnaire versus interview). Implications for the identification and treatment of anxiety in young people with
ASD are discussed.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-16
- DOI 10.1007/s10567-011-0097-0
- Authors
- Francisca J. A. van Steensel, Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Prinsengracht, 130 1018 VZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Susan M. Bögels, Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Prinsengracht, 130 1018 VZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Sean Perrin, Biomedical Research Centre, King’s College London/Institute of Psychiatry (PO77), 16 DeCrespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF UK
- Journal Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review
- Online ISSN 1573-2827
- Print ISSN 1096-4037