Verbal ability, social stress, and anxiety in children with autistic disorder

Autism. 2012 Mar;16(2):123-38. doi: 10.1177/1362361311425916. Epub 2011 Nov 15.

Abstract

The aims of this study were to evaluate the physiological stress and anxiety responses in children with autism following completion of a standardized, social-evaluative stressor (Trier Social Stress Test-Child version), document the relationship between verbal ability, stress, and anxiety, and determine the association between stress and anxiety in children with autism and typical development. Results demonstrated the Trier Social Stress Test-Child version to be a benign stressor for children with autism. Lower verbal ability in children with autism did not predict salivary cortisol or anxiety responses. There was a lack of association between stress and anxiety for both groups, highlighting the importance of considering these terms as separate constructs. Clinical implications and the limited utility of the Trier Social Stress Test-Child version in evaluating psychosocial stress in autism are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Anxiety / etiology
  • Anxiety / psychology*
  • Autistic Disorder / complications
  • Autistic Disorder / psychology*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Child
  • Child Development
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / analysis
  • Intelligence Tests
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Phobic Disorders / etiology
  • Phobic Disorders / psychology*
  • Psychological Tests
  • Saliva / chemistry
  • Stress, Psychological / etiology
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology
  • Verbal Behavior*

Substances

  • Hydrocortisone