Changes in the severity of autism symptom domains are related to mental health challenges during middle childhood

Autism. 2024 May;28(5):1216-1230. doi: 10.1177/13623613231195108. Epub 2023 Sep 10.

Abstract

For many autistic children, the severity of their autism symptoms changes during middle childhood. We studied whether these changes are associated with the emergence of other mental health challenges such as anxiety and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Children who had increased social-communication challenges had more anxiety and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms and disruptive behavior problems than other children. Children who decreased their restricted and repetitive behaviors, on the contrary, had more anxiety. We discuss why these changes in autism symptoms may lead to increases in other mental health concerns.

Keywords: anxiety; attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder; autism spectrum disorders; behavioral measurement; development; psychiatric comorbidity; repetitive behaviors and interests; school-age children; social cognition and social behavior.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Anxiety* / psychology
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity* / psychology
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / psychology
  • Autistic Disorder / psychology
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Severity of Illness Index*