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IQ and Internalising Symptoms in Adolescents with ASD
Monisha Edirisooriya1,2, Dominika Dykiert3,4, Bonnie Auyeung5,6
1University of Edinburgh, School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, University of Edinburgh Medical School, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. monishais@hotmail.co.uk.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|December 31, 2020
Summary
Intelligence quotient (IQ) impacts internalizing symptoms in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Lower IQ is linked to higher anxiety, while higher IQ correlates with depression in adolescents with ASD.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Psychiatry
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Internalizing symptoms like anxiety and depression are common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- Existing research on the relationship between intelligence quotient (IQ) and these symptoms in ASD presents inconsistent findings.
- Understanding this relationship is crucial for targeted interventions in adolescents with ASD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the direction of the relationship between IQ and anxiety in adolescents with ASD.
- To investigate the association between IQ and depression in adolescents with ASD.
- To identify methodological factors contributing to discrepancies in prior research.
Main Methods:
- Meta-analysis synthesizing data from existing studies.
- Examination of self-reported anxiety and depression levels in relation to IQ scores.
- Analysis of methodological variations across included studies.
Main Results:
- A significant positive association was found between lower IQ and higher self-reported anxiety in adolescents with ASD.
- Depression showed a positive correlation with IQ in this population.
- Methodological factors influencing these associations were identified.
Conclusions:
- Clinicians, educators, and parents must recognize the heightened risk of anxiety in adolescents with ASD and lower IQs.
- Adolescents with ASD and average or above-average IQs also require attention for social and emotional support to prevent overlooked mental health needs.
- Further research is needed to refine understanding and improve support strategies for diverse IQ levels within the ASD population.
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