Exploring Trajectories of Anxiety Symptoms in Autistic and Non-Autistic Youth over Adolescence Using Parent- and Self-Report Measures.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Autistic youth frequently experience co-occurring anxiety. In non-autistic populations, females are more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety and demonstrate distinct symptom trajectories across adolescence. Prior research has demonstrated diagnostic group differences in parent- and self-reported anxiety symptoms; however, it is largely unknown if and how symptoms change over puberty. We examine trajectories of anxiety symptoms for autistic and non-autistic youth over a four-year (Y1-Y4) longitudinal study.

Methods

Autistic (N=140) and non-autistic (N=104) youth (ages 10-13 years at Y1) completed the parent- and self-report versions of the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children, 2^nd Edition (MASC-2). Linear mixed effects models were used to examine

SUBMITTER: Cola M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12916141 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature