Developing an anxiety scale for autistic adults with ID
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Development of the anxiety scale for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Intellectual Disabilities (ID) (ASA-ASD-ID)
IRAS ID
237355
Contact name
Rebecca McElroy
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects social communication and cognitive thinking. People with ASD can also display repetitive behaviours or restricted interests.
People with ASD can also be diagnosed with intellectual disability (ID). A common feature of both ASD and ID is high rates of anxiety. Anxiety can be difficult to diagnose in those with ASD and/or ID. Research suggests there are many reasons for this, such as (a) overlap between characteristics of ASD and anxiety, (b) non-standardised criteria for diagnosis in this population, and (c) self-reported data can be difficult to obtain from people with ID.
The limited research about those with both ASD and ID suggests a unique set of needs compared to those with ASD or ID alone. Therefore, this study will investigate how anxiety can be measured for adults with both ASD and ID. This study comprise three stages:
1. A review of current research has been undertaken and, in consultation with adults with ASD and ID and professionals, a self-report measure of anxiety has been adapted from a current measure of anxiety in children with ASD, the Anxiety Scale for Children - Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASC-ASD). Please note this stage is complete and we are not seeking an ethical opinion for this stage.
2. The measure will be piloted with a sample of adults with ASD and ID (IQ 50-70) to investigate how reliable and valid the measure is. Please note, we are seeking an ethical opinion for this stage.
3. If the results of the analysis are promising, the profile of anxiety in adults with ASD and ID will be compared to results from a study exploring anxiety in adults with ASD alone. Please note, we are not seeking an ethical opinion for this stage.REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/NE/0024
Date of REC Opinion
20 Mar 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion