Multi-informant reports of psychiatric symptoms among high-functioning adolescents with Asperger syndrome or autism

Autism. 2009 Nov;13(6):583-98. doi: 10.1177/1362361309335719.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to examine psychiatric symptoms in high-functioning adolescents with autism spectrum disorders reported by multiple informants. Forty-three 11- to 17-year-old adolescents with Asperger syndrome (AS) or high-functioning autism (HFA) and 217 typically developed adolescents completed the Youth Self-Report (YSR), while their parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Teachers of adolescents with AS/HFA completed the Teacher Report Form (TRF). The informants reported significantly more psychiatric symptoms, especially withdrawn, anxious/depressed, social and attention problems, in adolescents with AS/HFA than in controls. In contrast to findings in the general population, the psychiatric problems of adolescents with AS/HFA are well acknowledged by multiple informants, including self-reports. However, anxiety and depressive symptoms were more commonly reported by adolescents with AS/HFA and their teachers than their parents, indicating that some emotional distress may be hidden from their parents.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anxiety / complications
  • Anxiety / psychology
  • Asperger Syndrome / complications
  • Asperger Syndrome / psychology*
  • Autistic Disorder / complications
  • Autistic Disorder / psychology*
  • Child
  • Depression / complications
  • Depression / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / complications
  • Mental Disorders / psychology
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Sex Factors
  • Social Behavior Disorders / complications
  • Social Behavior Disorders / psychology