Internalizing Symptoms in 3- to 6-Year-Old Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Research suggests some children as early as preschool years exhibit clinically significant levels of internalizing symptoms (i.e., anxiety, somatic, and depressive symptoms), and children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at a heightened risk. The purpose of this study was to examine age differences of internalizing symptoms in a sample of young children with ASD versus typical development (TD). Our sample included 156 children (61 with ASD and 95 with TD) ages 3:0 to 6:11 years and their teachers. A moderation analysis was conducted to assess whether the relation between children’s developmental status and internalizing symptoms would vary based on age. Findings indicated that age moderated the relation between diagnostic status and internalizing symptoms. Children with ASD ages 4:9 years and older had significantly higher levels of internalizing symptoms than children with TD. These findings highlight the need for early and targeted intervention for children with ASD with co-occurring internalizing symptoms.