Anxiety in people diagnosed with autism and intellectual disability: Recognition and phenomenology

Anxiety seems to occur frequently in individuals with autism, but varying prevalence estimates indicate uncertainties in identifying anxiety, especially in those with intellectual disability (ID). The present study explores the recognition of anxiety symptoms and aims to provide suggestions for the assessment of anxiety in individuals with autism and ID. Two separate samples, a community sample of 62 individuals and a clinical sample of 9 individuals, were assessed with anxiety items from a screening checklist. Each item's scores were analyzed. In addition, in the clinical sample, checklist results were compared with clinical assessments. The results indicate that anxiety can be recognized by symptoms similar to those in non-autistic individuals, but signs of physiological arousal seem difficult to recognize in this population. The results imply inclusion of general adjustment problems in order to identify individuals with anxiety problems by using a checklist. For diagnostic purposes, the use of an individual anxiety assessment seems indicated. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.