Skip to main content
Top
Gepubliceerd in:

13-06-2015 | Original Paper

Mechanisms of Anxiety Related Attentional Biases in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Auteurs: Tamara May, Kim Cornish, Nicole J. Rinehart

Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders | Uitgave 10/2015

Log in om toegang te krijgen
share
DELEN

Deel dit onderdeel of sectie (kopieer de link)

  • Optie A:
    Klik op de rechtermuisknop op de link en selecteer de optie “linkadres kopiëren”
  • Optie B:
    Deel de link per e-mail

Abstract

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have high levels of anxiety. It is unclear whether they exhibit threat-related attentional biases commensurate with anxiety disorders as manifest in non-ASD populations, such as facilitated attention toward, and difficulties disengaging engaging from, threatening stimuli. Ninety children, 45 cognitively able with ASD and 45 age, perceptual-IQ, and gender matched typically developing children, aged 7–12 years, were administered a visual dot probe task using threatening facial pictures. Parent-reported anxiety symptoms were also collected. Children with ASD showed similarly high levels of anxiety compared with normative data from an anxiety disordered sample. Children with ASD had higher levels of parent-reported anxiety but did not show differences in disengaging from, or facilitated attention toward, threatening facial stimuli compared with typically developing children. In contrast to previously published studies of anxious children, in this study there were no differences in attentional biases in children with ASD meeting clinical cutoff for anxiety and those who did not. There were no correlations between attentional biases and anxiety symptoms and no gender differences. These findings indicate the cognitive mechanisms underlying anxiety in cognitively able children with ASD could differ from those commonly found in anxious children which may have implications for both understanding the aetiology of anxiety in ASD and for anxiety interventions
Literatuur
go back to reference Adolphs, R. (1999). Social cognition and the human brain. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 3(12), 469–479.CrossRefPubMed Adolphs, R. (1999). Social cognition and the human brain. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 3(12), 469–479.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, IV-TR. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association. American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, IV-TR. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association.
go back to reference American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders 5. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association.CrossRef American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders 5. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association.CrossRef
go back to reference Ames, C., & Fletcher-Watson, S. (2010). A review of methods in the study of attention in autism. Developmental Review, 30(1), 52–73.CrossRef Ames, C., & Fletcher-Watson, S. (2010). A review of methods in the study of attention in autism. Developmental Review, 30(1), 52–73.CrossRef
go back to reference Amir, N., Elias, J., Klumpp, H., & Przeworski, A. (2003). Attentional bias to threat in social phobia: Facilitated processing of threat or difficulty disengaging attention from threat? Behaviour Research and Therapy, 41(11), 1325–1335.CrossRefPubMed Amir, N., Elias, J., Klumpp, H., & Przeworski, A. (2003). Attentional bias to threat in social phobia: Facilitated processing of threat or difficulty disengaging attention from threat? Behaviour Research and Therapy, 41(11), 1325–1335.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Bar-Haim, Y., Lamy, D., Pergamin, L., Bakermans-Kranenburg, M. J., & van Ijzendoorn, M. H. (2007). Threat-related attentional bias in anxious and nonanxious individuals: A meta-analytic study. Psychological Bulletin, 133(1), 1–24. doi:10.1037/0033-2909.133.1.1.CrossRefPubMed Bar-Haim, Y., Lamy, D., Pergamin, L., Bakermans-Kranenburg, M. J., & van Ijzendoorn, M. H. (2007). Threat-related attentional bias in anxious and nonanxious individuals: A meta-analytic study. Psychological Bulletin, 133(1), 1–24. doi:10.​1037/​0033-2909.​133.​1.​1.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Baron-Cohen, S., Wheelwright, S., & Jolliffe, T. (1997). Is there a “language of the eyes”? Evidence from normal adults, and adults with autism or Asperger syndrome. Visual Cognition, 4(3), 311–331. doi:10.1080/713756761.CrossRef Baron-Cohen, S., Wheelwright, S., & Jolliffe, T. (1997). Is there a “language of the eyes”? Evidence from normal adults, and adults with autism or Asperger syndrome. Visual Cognition, 4(3), 311–331. doi:10.​1080/​713756761.CrossRef
go back to reference Braverman, M., Fein, D., Lucci, D., & Waterhouse, L. (1989). Affect comprehension in children with pervasive developmental disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 19(2), 301–316.CrossRefPubMed Braverman, M., Fein, D., Lucci, D., & Waterhouse, L. (1989). Affect comprehension in children with pervasive developmental disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 19(2), 301–316.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Chalfant, A. M., Rapee, R., & Carroll, L. (2007). Treating anxiety disorders in children with high functioning autism spectrum disorders: A controlled trial. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 37(10), 1842–1857.CrossRefPubMed Chalfant, A. M., Rapee, R., & Carroll, L. (2007). Treating anxiety disorders in children with high functioning autism spectrum disorders: A controlled trial. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 37(10), 1842–1857.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Constantino, J. N. (2002). The social responsiveness scale. Los Angeles: Western Psychological Services. Constantino, J. N. (2002). The social responsiveness scale. Los Angeles: Western Psychological Services.
go back to reference Constantino, J. N., Davis, S. A., Todd, R. D., Schindler, M. K., Gross, M. M., Brophy, S. L., & Reich, W. (2003). Validation of a brief quantitative measure of autistic traits: Comparison of the social responsiveness scale with the autism diagnostic interview-revised. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 33(4), 427–433.CrossRefPubMed Constantino, J. N., Davis, S. A., Todd, R. D., Schindler, M. K., Gross, M. M., Brophy, S. L., & Reich, W. (2003). Validation of a brief quantitative measure of autistic traits: Comparison of the social responsiveness scale with the autism diagnostic interview-revised. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 33(4), 427–433.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Dalton, K. M., Nacewicz, B. M., Johnstone, T., Schaefer, H. S., Gernsbacher, M. A., Goldsmith, H. H., & Davidson, R. J. (2005). Gaze fixation and the neural circuitry of face processing in autism. Nature Neuroscience, 8(4), 519–526. doi:10.1038/nn1421.PubMedCentralPubMed Dalton, K. M., Nacewicz, B. M., Johnstone, T., Schaefer, H. S., Gernsbacher, M. A., Goldsmith, H. H., & Davidson, R. J. (2005). Gaze fixation and the neural circuitry of face processing in autism. Nature Neuroscience, 8(4), 519–526. doi:10.​1038/​nn1421.PubMedCentralPubMed
go back to reference Farrugia, S., & Hudson, J. (2006). Anxiety in adolescents with Asperger syndrome: Negative thoughts, behavioral problems, and life interference. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 21(1), 25–35. doi:10.1177/10883576060210010401.CrossRef Farrugia, S., & Hudson, J. (2006). Anxiety in adolescents with Asperger syndrome: Negative thoughts, behavioral problems, and life interference. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 21(1), 25–35. doi:10.​1177/​1088357606021001​0401.CrossRef
go back to reference Faul, F., Erdfelder, E., Lang, A.-G., & Buchner, A. (2007). G* Power 3: A flexible statistical power analysis program for the social, behavioral, and biomedical sciences. Behavior Research Methods, 39(2), 175–191.CrossRefPubMed Faul, F., Erdfelder, E., Lang, A.-G., & Buchner, A. (2007). G* Power 3: A flexible statistical power analysis program for the social, behavioral, and biomedical sciences. Behavior Research Methods, 39(2), 175–191.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Hallett, V., Lecavalier, L., Sukhodolsky, D. G., Cipriano, N., Aman, M. G., McCracken, J. T., & Hollander, E. (2013). Exploring the manifestations of anxiety in children with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 43(10), 2341–2352.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed Hallett, V., Lecavalier, L., Sukhodolsky, D. G., Cipriano, N., Aman, M. G., McCracken, J. T., & Hollander, E. (2013). Exploring the manifestations of anxiety in children with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 43(10), 2341–2352.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Hollocks, M. J., Ozsivadjian, A., Matthews, C. E., Howlin, P., & Simonoff, E. (2013). The relationship between attentional bias and anxiety in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. Autism Research, 6(4), 237–247.CrossRefPubMed Hollocks, M. J., Ozsivadjian, A., Matthews, C. E., Howlin, P., & Simonoff, E. (2013). The relationship between attentional bias and anxiety in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. Autism Research, 6(4), 237–247.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Kerns, C. M., & Kendall, P. C. (2012). The presentation and classification of anxiety in autism spectrum disorder. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 19(4), 323–347. Kerns, C. M., & Kendall, P. C. (2012). The presentation and classification of anxiety in autism spectrum disorder. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 19(4), 323–347.
go back to reference Lang, R., Regester, A., Lauderdale, S., Ashbaugh, K., & Haring, A. (2010). Treatment of anxiety in autism spectrum disorders using cognitive behaviour therapy: A systematic review. Developmental Neurorehabilitation,. doi:10.3109/17518420903236288. Lang, R., Regester, A., Lauderdale, S., Ashbaugh, K., & Haring, A. (2010). Treatment of anxiety in autism spectrum disorders using cognitive behaviour therapy: A systematic review. Developmental Neurorehabilitation,. doi:10.​3109/​1751842090323628​8.
go back to reference Lecavalier, L. (2006). Behavioral and emotional problems in young people with pervasive developmental disorders: Relative prevalence, effects of subject characteristics, and empirical classification. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders,. doi:10.1007/s10803-006-0147-5.PubMed Lecavalier, L. (2006). Behavioral and emotional problems in young people with pervasive developmental disorders: Relative prevalence, effects of subject characteristics, and empirical classification. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders,. doi:10.​1007/​s10803-006-0147-5.PubMed
go back to reference Legerstee, J. S., Tulen, J. H., Kallen, V. L., Dieleman, G. C., Treffers, P. D., Verhulst, F. C., & Utens, E. M. (2009). Threat-related selective attention predicts treatment success in childhood anxiety disorders. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 48(2), 196–205. doi:10.1097/CHI.0b013e31819176e4.CrossRefPubMed Legerstee, J. S., Tulen, J. H., Kallen, V. L., Dieleman, G. C., Treffers, P. D., Verhulst, F. C., & Utens, E. M. (2009). Threat-related selective attention predicts treatment success in childhood anxiety disorders. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 48(2), 196–205. doi:10.​1097/​CHI.​0b013e31819176e4​.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference MacLeod, C., Mathews, A., & Tata, P. (1986). Attentional bias in emotional disorders. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 95(1), 15–20.CrossRefPubMed MacLeod, C., Mathews, A., & Tata, P. (1986). Attentional bias in emotional disorders. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 95(1), 15–20.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Mogg, K., & Bradley, B. P. (1999). Some methodological issues in assessing attentional biases for threatening faces in anxiety: A replication study using a modified version of the probe detection task. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 37(6), 595–604.CrossRefPubMed Mogg, K., & Bradley, B. P. (1999). Some methodological issues in assessing attentional biases for threatening faces in anxiety: A replication study using a modified version of the probe detection task. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 37(6), 595–604.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Monk, C. S., Weng, S. J., Wiggins, J. L., Kurapati, N., Louro, H. M. C., Carrasco, M., & Lord, C. (2010). Neural circuitry of emotional face processing in autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, 35(2), 105–114. doi:10.1503/jpn.090085.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed Monk, C. S., Weng, S. J., Wiggins, J. L., Kurapati, N., Louro, H. M. C., Carrasco, M., & Lord, C. (2010). Neural circuitry of emotional face processing in autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, 35(2), 105–114. doi:10.​1503/​jpn.​090085.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Moree, B. N., & Davis, T. E. (2010). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders: Modification trends. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 4(3), 346–354.CrossRef Moree, B. N., & Davis, T. E. (2010). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders: Modification trends. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 4(3), 346–354.CrossRef
go back to reference Musa, C., Lepine, J. P., Clark, D. M., Mansell, W., & Ehlers, A. (2003). Selective attention in social phobia and the moderating effect of a concurrent depressive disorder. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 41(9), 1043–1054.CrossRefPubMed Musa, C., Lepine, J. P., Clark, D. M., Mansell, W., & Ehlers, A. (2003). Selective attention in social phobia and the moderating effect of a concurrent depressive disorder. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 41(9), 1043–1054.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Nauta, M. H., Scholing, A., Rapee, R. M., Abbott, M., Spence, S. H., & Waters, A. (2004). A parent-report measure of children’s anxiety: Psychometric properties and comparison with child-report in a clinic and normal sample. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 42(7), 813–839. doi:10.1016/S0005-7967%2803%2900200-6.CrossRefPubMed Nauta, M. H., Scholing, A., Rapee, R. M., Abbott, M., Spence, S. H., & Waters, A. (2004). A parent-report measure of children’s anxiety: Psychometric properties and comparison with child-report in a clinic and normal sample. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 42(7), 813–839. doi:10.​1016/​S0005-7967%2803%2900200-6.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Ozonoff, S., Pennington, B. F., & Rogers, S. J. (1990). Are there emotion perception deficits in young autistic children? Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 31(3), 343–361.CrossRefPubMed Ozonoff, S., Pennington, B. F., & Rogers, S. J. (1990). Are there emotion perception deficits in young autistic children? Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 31(3), 343–361.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Pine, D. S., Mogg, K., Bradley, B. P., Montgomery, L., Monk, C. S., McClure, E., & Kaufman, J. (2005). Attention bias to threat in maltreated children: Implications for vulnerability to stress-related psychopathology. American Journal of Psychiatry, 162(2), 291–296. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.162.2.291.CrossRefPubMed Pine, D. S., Mogg, K., Bradley, B. P., Montgomery, L., Monk, C. S., McClure, E., & Kaufman, J. (2005). Attention bias to threat in maltreated children: Implications for vulnerability to stress-related psychopathology. American Journal of Psychiatry, 162(2), 291–296. doi:10.​1176/​appi.​ajp.​162.​2.​291.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Russell, E., & Sofronoff, K. (2005). Anxiety and social worries in children with Asperger syndrome. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 39(7), 633–638.CrossRefPubMed Russell, E., & Sofronoff, K. (2005). Anxiety and social worries in children with Asperger syndrome. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 39(7), 633–638.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Sacrey, L.-A. R., Armstrong, V. L., Bryson, S. E., & Zwaigenbaum, L. (2014). Impairments to visual disengagement in autism spectrum disorder: A review of experimental studies from infancy to adulthood. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 47, 559–577.CrossRefPubMed Sacrey, L.-A. R., Armstrong, V. L., Bryson, S. E., & Zwaigenbaum, L. (2014). Impairments to visual disengagement in autism spectrum disorder: A review of experimental studies from infancy to adulthood. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 47, 559–577.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Simonoff, E., Pickles, A., Charman, T., Chandler, S., Loucas, T., & Baird, G. (2008). Psychiatric disorders in children with autism spectrum disorders: Prevalence, comorbidity, and associated factors in a population-derived sample. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 47(8), 921–929. doi:10.1097/CHI.0b013e318179964f.CrossRefPubMed Simonoff, E., Pickles, A., Charman, T., Chandler, S., Loucas, T., & Baird, G. (2008). Psychiatric disorders in children with autism spectrum disorders: Prevalence, comorbidity, and associated factors in a population-derived sample. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 47(8), 921–929. doi:10.​1097/​CHI.​0b013e318179964f​.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Solomon, M., Miller, M., Taylor, S., Hinshaw, S., & Carter, C. S. (2011). Autism symptoms and internalizing psychopathology in girls and boys with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders,. doi:10.1007/s10803-011-1215-z. Solomon, M., Miller, M., Taylor, S., Hinshaw, S., & Carter, C. S. (2011). Autism symptoms and internalizing psychopathology in girls and boys with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders,. doi:10.​1007/​s10803-011-1215-z.
go back to reference Spence, S. H., Barrett, P. M., & Turner, C. M. (2003). Psychometric properties of the Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale with young adolescents. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 17(6), 605–625.CrossRefPubMed Spence, S. H., Barrett, P. M., & Turner, C. M. (2003). Psychometric properties of the Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale with young adolescents. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 17(6), 605–625.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Storch, E. A., Ehrenreich May, J., Wood, J. J., Jones, A. M., De Nadai, A. S., Lewin, A. B., & Murphy, T. K. (2012). Multiple informant agreement on the anxiety disorders interview schedule in youth with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 22(4), 292–299.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed Storch, E. A., Ehrenreich May, J., Wood, J. J., Jones, A. M., De Nadai, A. S., Lewin, A. B., & Murphy, T. K. (2012). Multiple informant agreement on the anxiety disorders interview schedule in youth with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 22(4), 292–299.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Waterhouse, L., Fein, D., & Modahl, C. (1996). Neurofunctional mechanisms in autism. Psychological Review, 103(3), 457–489.CrossRefPubMed Waterhouse, L., Fein, D., & Modahl, C. (1996). Neurofunctional mechanisms in autism. Psychological Review, 103(3), 457–489.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Waters, A. M., Wharton, T. A., Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., & Craske, M. G. (2008). Threat-based cognitive biases in anxious children: Comparison with non-anxious children before and after cognitive behavioural treatment. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 46(3), 358–374. doi:10.1016/j.brat.2008.01.002.CrossRefPubMed Waters, A. M., Wharton, T. A., Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J., & Craske, M. G. (2008). Threat-based cognitive biases in anxious children: Comparison with non-anxious children before and after cognitive behavioural treatment. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 46(3), 358–374. doi:10.​1016/​j.​brat.​2008.​01.​002.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Watts, S., & Weems, C. (2006). Associations among selective attention, memory bias, cognitive errors and symptoms of anxiety in youth. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 34(6), 838–849. doi:10.1007/s10802-006-9066-3.CrossRef Watts, S., & Weems, C. (2006). Associations among selective attention, memory bias, cognitive errors and symptoms of anxiety in youth. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 34(6), 838–849. doi:10.​1007/​s10802-006-9066-3.CrossRef
go back to reference Wechsler, D. (1999). Wechsler abbreviated scale of intelligence (WASI). San Antonio, TX: Harcourt Assessment. Wechsler, D. (1999). Wechsler abbreviated scale of intelligence (WASI). San Antonio, TX: Harcourt Assessment.
go back to reference Wechsler, D. (2005). WISC—IV Australian administration and scoring manual. Harcourt Assessment. Wechsler, D. (2005). WISC—IV Australian administration and scoring manual. Harcourt Assessment.
go back to reference White, S. W., Oswald, D. P., Ollendick, T. H., & Scahill, L. (2009). Anxiety in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. Clinical Psychology Review, 29(3), 216–229.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed White, S. W., Oswald, D. P., Ollendick, T. H., & Scahill, L. (2009). Anxiety in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. Clinical Psychology Review, 29(3), 216–229.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Wong, N., Beidel, D. C., Sarver, D. E., & Sims, V. (2012). Facial emotion recognition in children with high functioning autism and children with social phobia. Child Psychiatry and Human Development, 43(5), 775–794. doi:10.1007/s10578-012-0296-z.CrossRefPubMed Wong, N., Beidel, D. C., Sarver, D. E., & Sims, V. (2012). Facial emotion recognition in children with high functioning autism and children with social phobia. Child Psychiatry and Human Development, 43(5), 775–794. doi:10.​1007/​s10578-012-0296-z.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Wood, J. J., & Gadow, K. D. (2010). Exploring the nature and function of anxiety in youth with autism spectrum disorders. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 17(4), 281–292. Wood, J. J., & Gadow, K. D. (2010). Exploring the nature and function of anxiety in youth with autism spectrum disorders. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 17(4), 281–292.
Metagegevens
Titel
Mechanisms of Anxiety Related Attentional Biases in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Auteurs
Tamara May
Kim Cornish
Nicole J. Rinehart
Publicatiedatum
13-06-2015
Uitgeverij
Springer US
Gepubliceerd in
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders / Uitgave 10/2015
Print ISSN: 0162-3257
Elektronisch ISSN: 1573-3432
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-015-2500-z