Social anxiety in autism-spectrum disorders
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Autism-spectrum disorders: treating co-morbid social anxiety disorder with adapted cognitive behaviour therapy
IRAS ID
134520
Contact name
Deborah Spain
Contact email
Research summary
Autism-spectrum disorders (ASD) are lifelong neurodevelopmental disorders affecting approximately 1% of the population (NICE, 2012*). Co-morbid mental health conditions occur commonly: high rates of clinically significant social anxiety symptoms in particular, are found to affect up to 50% of individuals with ASD (e.g. Bellini, 2004; Joshi et al., 2013; Kuusikko et al., 2008). Similarities and overlaps between core ASD and social anxiety symptoms can render it difficult to distinguish between these disorders (Tyson and Cruess, 2012), thereby complicating the process of assessment, as well as the development of needs-led treatments.
This study is the first phase of a larger study investigating social anxiety in ASD, funded by an NIHR-fellowship.
This present study utilises qualitative research methods. Semi-structured interviews will be undertaken with service-users and parents, to explore social anxiety and treatment implications. A purposive sample of adults with diagnoses of ASD and co-morbid social anxiety will be recruited via clinical-research services in London. Data generated will be analysed using grounded theory techniques (Coolican, 2009). This study will also investigate key stakeholder perspectives about co-morbid social anxiety. Stakeholders will be invited to attend focus groups; data generated will be thematically analysed (Coolican, 2009).
Study findings are anticipated to have several potential benefits. Use of qualitative methods will provide depth in terms of service-users and stakeholder perspectives which may not be as easily described on fixed-response quantitative measures. The findings will also inform the development of interventions for co-morbid anxiety in ASD.
*A full reference list for the application overall, is attached as an appendix.
REC name
London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/1445
Date of REC Opinion
31 Oct 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion