Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

826
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
826
Modeling in Therapy01:26

Modeling in Therapy

330
Modeling, a key technique in therapy, uses observational learning to help clients acquire and practice new skills by watching therapists demonstrate desired behaviors. This approach, rooted in Albert Bandura's concept of vicarious learning, plays a significant role in therapeutic interventions for various psychological conditions, including social anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
330
Social Anxiety Disorder01:28

Social Anxiety Disorder

331
Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is characterized by an intense fear of social situations where one might face humiliation, rejection, embarrassment, or negative evaluation. This disorder leads individuals to avoid activities like casual conversations, public speaking, or seemingly simple tasks such as eating, signing documents, or swimming, in public settings. Its impact extends beyond discomfort, often significantly interfering with daily functioning and quality of life.
331
Piaget's Stage 1 of Cognitive Development01:14

Piaget's Stage 1 of Cognitive Development

1.4K
The sensorimotor stage, the initial phase of Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development, spans the first two years of a child's life. During this period, infants actively engage with their surroundings, building cognitive awareness through direct interaction with the world. This interaction is primarily based on sensory perception and motor actions, allowing infants to gradually understand basic physical properties and predict how objects interact within their environment.
Exploration...
1.4K
Oppositional Defiant Disorder01:30

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

506
A persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, defiant behavior, or vindictiveness characterizes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Symptoms must occur over at least six months, involve interactions with individuals beyond siblings, and meet specific diagnostic criteria to be clinically significant. The disorder affects emotional regulation, social interactions, and behavior, often manifesting early in life and influencing long-term development and functioning.
Diagnostic Criteria and...
506
Operant Conditioning Intervention01:24

Operant Conditioning Intervention

387
Operant conditioning serves as a foundational principle in therapeutic interventions aimed at modifying maladaptive behaviors. Central to this approach is the notion that behaviors, both adaptive and maladaptive, are learned through reinforcement. By analyzing the environmental factors that reinforce problematic behaviors, clinicians can design interventions to weaken these reinforcements and replace maladaptive behaviors with healthier alternatives.
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
387

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

[From autism spectrum to autism constellation].

Medicina·2020
Same author

[Unresolved issues in the DSM-5].

Revista de neurologia·2015
Same author

[Autism in the first year].

Revista de neurologia·2014
Same author

[Autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: convergences and divergences. Genetics].

Revista de neurologia·2013
Same author

[The genetic bases of neurodevelopmental disorders].

Revista de neurologia·2013
Same author

[Co-occurrence of anxiety and autism. The social error and allostatic load hypotheses].

Revista de neurologia·2013
Same journal

[Penis synovial sarcoma: a rare case report].

Medicina·2026
Same journal

[Reflective anuria secondary to unilateral lithiasis].

Medicina·2026
Same journal

[Lemierre-like syndrome, an emerging diagnosis].

Medicina·2026
Same journal

Unusually late spinal cord metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation.

Medicina·2026
Same journal

[Abdominal Mondor's disease].

Medicina·2026
Same journal

[Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma: Importance of early diagnosis and treatment].

Medicina·2026
See all related articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 26, 2025

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
09:13

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Published on: April 22, 2015

16.9K

[Intolerance to uncertainty in autism].

Isabel Paula-Pérez1, Josep Artigas-Pallarés1

  • 1Universidad de Barcelona, España.

Medicina
|March 10, 2020
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This review examines how the difficulty in handling unpredictable situations contributes to anxiety in autistic individuals. It explores links between this intolerance and common autistic traits, such as repetitive behaviors and sensory processing differences, to suggest new ways to manage anxiety.

Keywords:
anxietyautismintolerance to uncertaintypatterns of behaviorrestrictive and stereotyped interests and activitiessensory integrationanxiety disorderspredictive processingneurodiversitycognitive rigidity

Frequently Asked Questions

More Related Videos

Video Imaging and Spatiotemporal Maps to Analyze Gastrointestinal Motility in Mice
07:41

Video Imaging and Spatiotemporal Maps to Analyze Gastrointestinal Motility in Mice

Published on: February 3, 2016

14.6K
Strategies for Assessing Autistic-Like Behaviors in Mice
07:38

Strategies for Assessing Autistic-Like Behaviors in Mice

Published on: September 20, 2024

2.0K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Dec 26, 2025

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
09:13

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Published on: April 22, 2015

16.9K
Video Imaging and Spatiotemporal Maps to Analyze Gastrointestinal Motility in Mice
07:41

Video Imaging and Spatiotemporal Maps to Analyze Gastrointestinal Motility in Mice

Published on: February 3, 2016

14.6K
Strategies for Assessing Autistic-Like Behaviors in Mice
07:38

Strategies for Assessing Autistic-Like Behaviors in Mice

Published on: September 20, 2024

2.0K

Area of Science:

  • Psychology and behavioral science research on intolerance to uncertainty
  • Neurodevelopmental disorders and clinical psychiatry

Background:

Prior research has shown that individuals on the autism spectrum frequently experience heightened levels of anxiety compared to the general population. This gap motivated researchers to investigate the underlying psychological mechanisms that might drive such emotional distress. It was already known that predictive processing differences are common among autistic people. That uncertainty drove scholars to consider whether a reduced capacity to tolerate ambiguous situations plays a role. No prior work had resolved how these cognitive differences connect to specific behavioral patterns. Existing literature often focuses on symptoms without addressing the cognitive framework of predictability. This study addresses the link between psychological flexibility and emotional regulation. Understanding these connections remains a priority for improving clinical support strategies.

Purpose Of The Study:

The aim of this review is to evaluate the extent to which intolerance to uncertainty mediates anxiety in autistic individuals. This study addresses the specific problem of why emotional distress remains prevalent within this population. The researchers seek to clarify how cognitive differences in predictive abilities contribute to these anxiety symptoms. This inquiry is motivated by the need to understand the psychological mechanisms underlying common autistic traits. The authors explore whether restrictive behaviors and sensory processing differences are linked to this specific cognitive construct. By examining these connections, the study intends to provide a framework for more effective clinical support. The investigation aims to determine if this trait constitutes a significant risk factor for mental health challenges. Ultimately, the work seeks to inform the development of interventions specifically focused on improving emotional regulation.

Main Methods:

The review approach involved synthesizing existing clinical evidence regarding anxiety and cognitive processing. Investigators examined literature linking psychological flexibility to neurodevelopmental profiles. They evaluated how predictive abilities influence emotional regulation in diverse populations. The team scrutinized reports on restrictive behaviors and sensory sensitivities to identify common underlying themes. This systematic synthesis allowed for the integration of disparate findings into a cohesive model. Researchers focused on identifying how cognitive traits correlate with observed behavioral peculiarities. The methodology prioritized peer-reviewed studies that explored the intersection of anxiety and cognitive rigidity. This analytical framework provided the basis for proposing new therapeutic targets.

Main Results:

The literature indicates that intolerance to uncertainty is a significant mediator for anxiety in autistic individuals. Key findings from the literature suggest that predictive processing alterations are closely linked to this cognitive trait. Studies show that individuals with higher intolerance often display more pronounced restrictive and stereotyped behaviors. The evidence confirms that sensory processing particularities correlate with how these individuals handle ambiguous information. Researchers report that this cognitive construct serves as a primary driver for emotional distress in many cases. The synthesis highlights that these patterns are not isolated but reflect a broader difficulty in managing environmental unpredictability. Data suggest that the severity of this trait functions as a measurable risk factor for anxiety. The review demonstrates that these cognitive challenges are prevalent across various autistic profiles.

Conclusions:

The authors propose that addressing predictive processing challenges could mitigate anxiety symptoms in autistic populations. They suggest that intolerance to uncertainty acts as a potential mediator for emotional distress. This synthesis implies that repetitive behaviors may serve as compensatory strategies for managing unpredictable environments. Practitioners might consider targeting this specific cognitive construct during therapeutic interventions. The review highlights that sensory processing differences are closely tied to how individuals perceive and manage ambiguity. Future clinical efforts should prioritize screening for this trait in high-risk cases. The researchers emphasize that tailored support can improve overall mental health outcomes. This framework provides a basis for developing more effective anxiety prevention programs.

The authors propose that intolerance to uncertainty acts as a mediator for anxiety. While autistic individuals often exhibit higher anxiety levels, this specific cognitive trait helps explain why some people struggle more than others with unpredictable daily events.

Predictive processing refers to the brain's ability to anticipate future events. In autism, alterations in this system mean that the brain struggles to form accurate expectations, which increases the perceived threat of ambiguous situations.

The researchers suggest that restrictive behaviors and sensory sensitivities are linked to this intolerance. These patterns may function as coping mechanisms to create a more predictable environment, thereby reducing the stress caused by unexpected changes.

The authors suggest that identifying this trait is necessary for targeted prevention. When intolerance to uncertainty reaches a high severity, it becomes a significant risk factor for developing more intense anxiety symptoms.

The study synthesizes existing evidence regarding anxiety and cognitive flexibility. By comparing these factors, the authors illustrate that the inability to handle ambiguity is not just a symptom but a potential driver of distress.

The researchers propose that interventions should be specifically focused on this construct. By teaching strategies to manage ambiguity, clinicians may prevent the escalation of anxiety symptoms in vulnerable autistic patients.