Anxiety in autistic preschool children: Phenomenology and a network analysis of correlates.

This study looked at anxiety in 75 young autistic children (3-5 years old). Almost half (40%) had significant anxiety problems. The most common fears were specific phobias and social fears. The research found that children who struggle with uncertainty were more likely to have anxiety, and this was connected to being sensitive to sounds, textures, and physical symptoms.

This cross-sectional study examined anxiety in 75 autistic preschool children (ages 3-5) using parent diagnostic interviews. Results showed 40% had impairing anxiety, with specific phobia and 'other social fear' being most common. Network analysis identified child intolerance of uncertainty (IU) as the only correlate directly associated with anxiety, linking it to sensory over-responsivity and somatic symptoms. The study highlights the significant prevalence of anxiety in young autistic children and suggests IU may be a key factor connecting various anxiety-related symptoms.

Early screening for anxiety in autistic preschoolers is warranted given high prevalence. Assessment should focus on specific phobias and social fears. Interventions targeting intolerance of uncertainty may be beneficial, potentially addressing connected issues like sensory sensitivity and somatic symptoms.

Single cross-sectional study design limits causal inferences. Sample size of 75 is relatively small for network analysis. Reliance on parent report may introduce bias. Generalizability beyond studied population unclear.

Anxiety disorders in autistic children are associated with significant functional impairment. Few studies have examined impairing anxiety presentations in autistic preschool children (i.e., 3-5 years old). This cross-sectional study examined the phenomenology of impairing anxiety and the strongest correlates of anxiety in 75 autistic preschool children. Parents completed a diagnostic interview that assesses two anxiety types, DSM-5 anxiety disorders and impairing distinct anxiety presentations, and measures of anxiety correlates.

An exploratory network analysis examined connections between anxiety and its correlates. Forty percent of children had impairing anxiety. Specific phobia followed by 'other social fear,' a type of distinct anxiety, were the most common anxiety types. Child intolerance of uncertainty (IU) was the only correlate that was associated with anxiety in a network analysis framework.

Child IU linked anxiety to two other correlates, sensory over-responsivity and somatic symptoms. Findings emphasize the need for early intervention for anxiety and further research on its correlates.