Examining shared and unique aspects of social anxiety disorder and autism spectrum disorder using factor analysis

Susan W. White, Bethany C. Bray, Thomas H. Ollendick

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    59 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are fairly common psychiatric conditions that impair the functioning of otherwise healthy young adults. Given that the two conditions frequently co-occur, measurement of the characteristics unique to each condition is critical. This study evaluated the structure and construct overlap of two screening measures of SAD and ASD. Results from 623 young adults indicated that separable, though highly correlated, factors can be derived from the two measures related to social anxiety and social difficulties. The ASD screening measure also taps unique factors related to restricted interests and attention to details, theory of mind deficits, and a preference for routine. Recommendations are provided for accurate screening of symptoms of both SAD and ASD.

    Original languageEnglish (US)
    Pages (from-to)874-884
    Number of pages11
    JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
    Volume42
    Issue number5
    DOIs
    StatePublished - May 2012

    All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

    • Developmental and Educational Psychology

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Examining shared and unique aspects of social anxiety disorder and autism spectrum disorder using factor analysis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this