PARENT AND SELF REPORT OF SOCIAL ABILITY AND ASSOCIATED PSYCHIATRIC SYMPTOMS IN ADULTS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Background: High rates of depression and anxiety have been reported in individuals with autism.  Direct assessment of internalizing symptoms in autism is difficult due to issues such as lack of insight or verbal ability.  Thus, clinicians often depend on parent-report of associated symptoms in individuals with autism. 

Objectives: Investigate correspondence between parent- and self- report of psychiatric symptoms in adults with autism. 

Methods: Participants were assessed as part of the STAART Center of Excellence Study at the University of Washington.  A psychiatric history interview was administered to adults with an autism spectrum disorder, which included assessment of level of depressive and anxious symptoms.  A medical/psychiatric history interview, assessing presence of depression and anxiety, was administered to parents of participants with autism. Participants also completed self-report measures of social competence, including the Social Avoidance and Distress Scale (SADS) and the Social Communication Scale (CommQ).  Diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder was confirmed using the ADOS and parent interview (ADI). 

Results: Data were collected on 36 adults with autism.  Rates of depression were 60% (parent-report) and 46% (participant-report); rates of anxiety were 26% (parent-report) and 24% (participant-report).  Rates of psychiatric symptoms did not significantly differ when assessed via parent- versus participant- report.  Level of self-reported social competence and parent-reported social ability, however, did not correlate. 

Conclusions: Accurate assessment of psychiatric symptoms in individuals with autism is crucial for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.  Results suggest that parent- and participant- report of psychiatric symptoms yield similar rates, despite differences in perception of social ability.  Individuals with autism may have more self-awareness of psychiatric symptoms than social difficulties.