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The Impact of Anxiety on Decision Making in Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities or a Diagnosis on the Autism Spectrum

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Decision Making by Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Part of the book series: Positive Psychology and Disability Series ((POPD))

Abstract

Many individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) or a diagnosis on the autism spectrum will experience anxiety. Research examining anxiety in these populations has provided understanding of how it presents and how it can be measured more accurately in these individuals. Less is known, however, about the impact that anxiety can have on cognitive tasks or issues. Within neurotypical individuals, anxiety has been shown to impact decision making, both by increasing the likelihood of a “jump-to-conclusion” style of reasoning and also by influencing perceptions of relative risk. The impact of anxiety on the decision making of individuals with IDD or those on the autism spectrum is less well understood. In this chapter we describe the limited research in this area. We then use this to hypothesise about the potential impact it may have across the decision-making process. Given the high prevalence of anxiety (and other mental health challenges) in those with IDD and/or autism, there is a clear need for more work in this area. With this additional knowledge we will be better placed to understand whether anxiety has a positive, negative or neutral effect on decision making in these populations. This knowledge can then be used to support decision making and also reduce any possible negative effects of anxiety on this process.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Autism Centre of Excellence, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

    Dawn Adams & Stephanie Malone

  2. Griffith Institute for Educational Research, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

    Dawn Adams & Stephanie Malone

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  1. School of Education, St. John‘s University, Queens, NY, USA

    Ishita Khemka

  2. Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA

    Linda Hickson

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Adams, D., Malone, S. (2021). The Impact of Anxiety on Decision Making in Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities or a Diagnosis on the Autism Spectrum. In: Khemka, I., Hickson, L. (eds) Decision Making by Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Positive Psychology and Disability Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-74675-9_8

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