The aim of this study is to assess the presence and severity of depressive symptoms and anxiety in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. An analysis of the literature indicates that mood disorders are among the more common co-occurring difficulties with this disorder. In addition, many of these individuals experience high levels of anxiety and distress. Method: The study involved 30 children with a diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome or high-functioning autism and 30 parents. Study participants completed a set of questionnaires measuring the presence of symptoms of autism, depression, and anxiety, understood as a state and as a trait. The measurement included a self-report version completed by the children and a version of the questionnaires for the parents completed by their caregivers. A socio-demographic questionnaire for parents was also included. The results of the study showed a high or very high severity of depressive symptoms in the children, especially as assessed by the parents. The subjects also obtained high scores of anxiety severity, especially trait anxiety. The expected correlations regarding autism symptoms and depression were obtained.
Pasternak et al. (Thu,) studied this question.