Complex Psychiatric Comorbidity of Treatment-Seeking Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Anxiety Symptoms

This descriptive study examines the complexity of psychiatric comorbidity in treatment-seeking youth with ASD and anxiety symptoms. Forty-two parents of youth with ASD and anxiety (ages 8-14) completed a structured diagnostic interview (Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version). Youth obtained an average of 4 diagnoses. Complex comorbidity did not differ by age, sex, or autism symptoms. Few had participated in mental health treatment. Data from this study support adopting a trans-diagnostic approach to psychiatric intervention for youth with ASD.