Prevalence of anxiety disorder in children and young people with intellectual disabilities and autism

Purpose Children and young people with co-morbid intellectual disabilities (ID) and autism are more prone to experience mental health problems compared to people with ID but without autism. Children and young people with ID and autism may experience symptoms of anxiety at a greater level than the general population; however, this is not supported with research evidence in relation to the prevalence of anxiety in people with ID and autism. Method The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of anxiety disorders in children and young people with ID and autism. 150 children and young people (age range of 5 -18 years) from a metropolitan district in the North of England were screened for anxiety using the Reiss Scales for Children’s dual diagnosis and Glasgow Anxiety Scale. Findings The results indicate that the prevalence of anxiety was 32.6% for children and young people with ID and autism on Glasgow Anxiety Scale.