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Family report of ASD concomitant with depression or anxiety among US children

Melissa L McPheeters1, Alaina Davis, J Richard Navarre

  • 1Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Medicine and Public Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2525 West End Ave., Suite 600, Nashville, TN 37203-1738, USA. melissa.mcpheeters@vanderbilt.edu

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|August 11, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have higher rates of depression and anxiety. Parents of these children also report greater concerns regarding their child

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Mental Health Research

Background:

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition.
  • Children with ASD often experience co-occurring mental health conditions.
  • Parental concerns are crucial indicators of a child's well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To estimate the prevalence of parent-reported depression or anxiety in children with ASD.
  • To describe the specific concerns parents have for their children with ASD.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of the National Survey of Children's Health (2003-2004).
  • Utilized a national sample of 102,353 parents.
  • Identified children diagnosed with autism and those with co-occurring depression or anxiety.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of parent-reported depression or anxiety in children with ASD was 219 per 100,000.
  • Parents of children with ASD reported significantly higher concerns about self-esteem, academic success, and bullying.
  • A notable proportion of children with ASD (544 per 100,000) received an autism diagnosis.

Conclusions:

  • Children with ASD face an elevated risk for depression and anxiety, particularly during adolescence.
  • Integrated care addressing social, emotional, and clinical needs is vital for children with ASD.
  • Clinicians should proactively screen for and manage mental health issues in children with ASD.

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