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. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. ### Funding Statement The authors received no financial support for the research, writing, and/or publication of this article. ### Author Declarations I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained. Yes The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below: All procedures were approved by the ethical committee of Shahid Beheshti University (ethical code: IR.SBU.REC.1398.023). All necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived. Yes I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance). Yes I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines and uploaded the relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material as supplementary files, if applicable. Yes The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, upon reasonable request.