Abstract
Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is a multidimensional construct involving maladaptive responses to uncertainty. IU is strongly associated with autism and anxiety, yet no studies have examined its symptom profile in autistic children. This study compares IU symptom profiles in autistic and NT children and in autistic children with and without anxiety using the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale for Children. Compared to NT peers, autistic children exhibited heightened IU symptoms in all domains, affective, behavioral, and cognitive; affective symptoms had the highest association with autism. Autistic children with anxiety also exhibited elevated IU symptoms in all domains compared to those without anxiety; behavioral IU symptoms had the highest association with anxiety. IU symptom profiles should be considered in assessment and treatment.
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Funding
Dr. Keefer is funded by the Organization for Autism Research Applied Research Award (2019A06). Dr. Vasa is funded by the Organization for Autism Research Applied Research Award (2019A05). Drs. Vasa and Keefer have received funds from the Kennedy Krieger Institute Goldstein Innovation Award. Dr. Mostofsky receives support from NIH grants: NS048527, MH106564, P50 HD103538 and Simons Foundation/SFARI.
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Dr. Vasa receives royalties for an edited book on childhood anxiety disorders published by Humana Press. Dr. Keefer, Ms. Singh, Mr. Jang, Ms. Alon, Ms. Surmacz, and Dr. Holingue have no conflicts of interest to disclose.
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Keefer, A., Singh, V., Jang, Y.S. et al. Exploring the Symptom Profiles of Intolerance of Uncertainty in Autistic Children. J Autism Dev Disord 54, 121–130 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-022-05744-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-022-05744-3