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Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics : JDBP
2025 Jan-Feb 01;46 (1): e33-e39.

A Demographic Description of Children and Adolescents With Concomitant Autism and Anxiety Along With a Comparison of Receipt of Psychological Services.

Elizabeth Salt, Amanda T Wiggins, David N Toupin, Emma Parks, Chizimuzo Okoli, Mary Kay Rayens
Author Information
  1. Elizabeth Salt: College of Nursing, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY. ORCID
  2. Amanda T Wiggins: College of Nursing, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY.
  3. David N Toupin: College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY.
  4. Emma Parks: College of Nursing, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY.
  5. Chizimuzo Okoli: College of Nursing, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY.
  6. Mary Kay Rayens: College of Nursing, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY.
PMID: 39787493 DOI: 10.1097/DBP.0000000000001321

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: (1) Evaluate differences in demographic distributions between those with autism alone and those with autism concomitant with anxiety and (2) assess demographic factors associated with receipt of psychological therapy in patients with autism.
METHODS: Using deidentified health care claims data, we extracted all encounters among children with the International Classification of Diseases-10-CM for Autism Spectrum Disorder (F84) and flagged those with concomitant anxiety (F41.9). Extracted data included age, sex, race, ethnicity, insurance status, and Rural-Urban Continuum Codes. Current procedural terminology codes for psychological services were extracted. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U tests, �� 2 tests of association, and logistic regression.
RESULTS: Demographic differences between children/adolescents with autism alone versus autism concomitant with anxiety were noted for age, sex, and race/ethnicity, with a greater prevalence of autism/anxiety identified in older-aged children and children identifying as female and non-Hispanic White residing in an urban area. While 21% of those included in this study had received psychotherapy, the percentages within the autism only and autism/anxiety groups were 12% and 50%, respectively ( p < 0.001). Children/adolescents who were older age quartile, resided in an urban residence, and with a concomitant diagnosis of anxiety were more likely to receive psychological services, while non-Hispanic Other were less likely to, compared with the reference of non-Hispanic White.
CONCLUSION: We identified demographic disparities in the diagnosis of autism versus autism with concomitant anxiety, including age, sex, race/ethnicity, and residence location. Age quartile, urban location, and concomitant anxiety were associated with increased likelihood of receipt of psychological services.

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Grants

  1. UL1 TR001998/NCATS NIH HHS
  2. UL1TR001998/NIDDK NIH HHS
  3. UL1TR001998/NIDDK NIH HHS

MeSH Term

Humans
Male
Female
Child
Adolescent
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Child, Preschool
Psychotherapy
Anxiety
Comorbidity
Anxiety Disorders
Journal Article Comparative Study

Word Cloud

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