Anxiety in Autism Spectrum Disorder: clinical characteristics and the role of the family.

Abstract Background: Anxiety Disorder (AD) is among the most common psychiatric comorbidities in children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, findings regarding the characterization of anxiety symptoms and the use of validated measures for children with ASD and AD are inconsistent. Parental psychological distress (PPD) has been linked to anxiety symptoms in children with ASD. This study aims to identify and to explore clinical characteristics of anxiety symptoms in ASD. Furthermore we shed light on the possible presence of PPD involving families of children and adolescents with ASD and AD. Methods: The final sample consisted of 75 children and adolescents (Mean age: 11,8 ± 2,3 years; Range age: 8-16 years) and their parents. Participants were divided into three groups based on the diagnosis: children and adolescents with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Anxiety Disorders in comorbidity, children and adolescents with a diagnosis of Anxiety Disorders but without a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, children and adolescents with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder but without a diagnosis of Anxiety Disorders.Results: Results show the presence of clinical phenotype ASD+AD with specific features than AD group (p = 0,00003). A major functional impairment is reported for ASD+AD group compared the other groups. Finally, parents of the ASD+AD group reveal higher levels of PPD than AD (p = 0,005). Conclusions: Understanding clinical characteristics of anxiety disorder and the role of PPD could define individualized treatments and a better prognosis in children and adolescents with ASD and AD