Predictors of Anxiety in a Sample of Preschoolers with ASD

Objective Anxiety is one of the most prevalent comorbid disorders in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, there is inconsistency in research investigating the predictors of anxiety in children with ASD. Also, most studies have focused on school-age children so research on anxiety in preschoolers with ASD has been somewhat neglected. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate age, gender, ASD symptom severity, and functional language use as potential risk factors for developing anxiety in this sample. Method In total, 95 children with ASD and their caregivers participated in this study. The Gilliam Autism Rating Scale–Second Edition (GARS-2), and The Preschool Anxiety Scale (PAS) were used to gather data. Data were analyzed by Independent sample t-tests, MANOVA, Pearson’s r correlations, the point biserial correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis with the stepwise procedure. Results The findings indicated that anxiety was positively correlated with age and functional language use and negatively with ASD symptom severity. There wasn’t a significant relationship between anxiety and gender. Conclusion The findings suggest age and ASD symptom severity were significant predictors of anxiety in this sample. In other words, older children and cases with lower symptom severity are more likely to experience anxiety. It is also implied to examine the role of cognitive deficits in the development of anxiety in autism.