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Anxiety and Repetitive Behaviours in Autism Spectrum Disorders and Williams Syndrome: A Cross-Syndrome Comparison

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Abstract

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Williams syndrome are vulnerable to anxiety. The factors that contribute to this risk remain unclear. This study compared anxiety in autism spectrum disorder and Williams Syndrome and examined the relationship between repetitive behaviours and anxiety. Thirty-four children with autism and twenty children with Williams Syndrome were assessed with measures of anxiety and repetitive behaviours. Children with autism had higher levels of anxiety. Within the autism sample higher levels of repetitive behaviours were associated with more anxiety. This was not replicated in the Williams Syndrome sample, indicating a differential role for restricted and repetitive behaviours in relation to anxiety. Understanding the links between repetitive behaviours and anxiety is essential for effective intervention.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to all individuals with ASD and WS and their families who participated in this research. The data presented here was adapted from data presented by Dr. Janes and Dr. Connolly as part of their doctoral theses for the qualification of Doctor of Clinical Psychology.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Medical Sciences, Institute of Neuroscience, Clinical Psychology, Newcastle University, Ridley Building, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK

    Jacqui Rodgers

  2. Faculty of Medical Sciences, School of Psychology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

    Deborah M. Riby, Emily Janes & Brenda Connolly

  3. Faculty of Medical Sciences, Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

    Helen McConachie

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  1. Jacqui Rodgers
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  2. Deborah M. Riby
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  3. Emily Janes
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  4. Brenda Connolly
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  5. Helen McConachie
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Correspondence to Jacqui Rodgers.

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Rodgers, J., Riby, D.M., Janes, E. et al. Anxiety and Repetitive Behaviours in Autism Spectrum Disorders and Williams Syndrome: A Cross-Syndrome Comparison. J Autism Dev Disord 42, 175–180 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-011-1225-x

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