Trait Anxiety in Individuals on the Autism Spectrum: a Systematic Review

Abstract Although anxiety is commonly researched in autism, the focus has predominantly been on disorders and not upon general levels of anxiousness or trait anxiety. This review summarises research investigating autism. Systematic searches yielded 1099 records, with 23 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Study participants were mainly males from Western countries, no representation older adults individuals intellectual disability. All articles used self-report questionnaire measures. Anxiety measure psychometric details absent most studies, 21 using subjective measures that are validated for use Results showed higher scores autism versus control groups, correlations between other study outcomes.