Abstract

Epidemiological studies indicate that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are at high risk for developing co-occurring anxiety symptoms and diagnosable anxiety disorders, with prevalence rates ranging from 40% to 78%. Further, studies have suggested that children with ASD experience more clinically significant symptoms of anxiety compared to children without ASD as early as toddlerhood. However, few studies have examined the comorbidity of anxiety and ASD in early childhood. In the current study, we included a sample of young children (ages 3 to 5) with ASD (n = 77) and an age-matched typically developing comparison group (n = 55) to address the following research aims: (1) to determine the symptom profile of anxiety in each diagnostic group; (2) to examine the rates of anxiety symptoms and DSM-5 anxiety disorders using multi-informant (parent- and teacher-report) rating scale and a semi-structured diagnostic interview, respectively, and determine whether rates are different between diagnostic groups; and (3) to identify possible predictors of anxiety (family resources, parent mental health, parenting variables, child characteristics) of anxiety in each diagnostic group. Findings overall indicated that the most common manifestations of anxiety in both the ASD and TD groups were related to separation anxiety and specific fears. However, children in the ASD group exhibited a wider range of specific fears, many of which appear idiosyncratic compared to those exhibited by children in the TD group. Furthermore, children with ASD generally showed significantly higher rates of anxiety symptoms and DSM-5 anxiety disorders compared to their TD peers, although relative risks were different depending on the type of anxiety examined. In the ASD group, higher levels of parent-rated restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests were associated with higher levels of anxiety. Implications for assessment and intervention for anxiety in young children with ASD are discussed.

LLU Discipline

Clinical Psychology

Department

Clinical Psychology

School

School of Behavioral Health

First Advisor

Cameron L. Neece

Second Advisor

Maya Boustani

Third Advisor

Rachel M. Fenning

Fourth Advisor

Holly E. R. Morrell

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Level

Ph.D.

Year Degree Awarded

2021

Date (Title Page)

4-2021

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Anxiety in children; Autism spectrum disorders in children; Comorbidity--Childhood; Preschool children--Mental health; Psychological diagnosis--Childhood; Risk factors (Psychology)--Childhood; Anxiety--Symptoms

Type

Dissertation

Page Count

xvi, 241 p.

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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