PHARM - TOWARD OUTCOME MEASUREMENT OF ANXIETY IN YOUTH WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS
Project Description:
This four-year multisite project (with Emory University and Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia [CHOP]) will advance outcome measurement of anxiety in future clinical trials in youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The purpose of the study is to develop a parent-rated and a clinician-rated instrument for measuring anxiety in youth with ASDs who participate in clinical trials. We propose a mixed method approach. In Year 1, focus groups with parents will explore the manifestations of anxiety in children with ASDs. This information will be used to refine the CASI Anxiety scale (DSM-IV-based parent-rating) and modify the clinician-rated Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale (PARS). In Years 2 and 3, we will collect data on the revised instruments in 900 children with ASD ages 5 to 17 years on a secure web site and in person and examine its reliability and validity. In Years 3 and 4, a high anxiety subgroup (above threshold on the CASI Anxiety scale) will be compared to controls (ASD with low anxiety) on physiological measures of heart rate [HR], heart rate variability [HRV] and electro dermal activity [EDA]). HR, HRV and EDA will be measured at rest and under mildly anxiety provoking conditions. The project has four deliverables: focus group results; a reliable and valid parent-rated anxiety outcome measure; a reliable and valid clinician-rated anxiety measure; preliminary HRV and EDA findings.
Keyword(s):
autism, anxiety, children
Core Function(s):
Performing Research or Evaluation
Area of Emphasis
Health-Related Activities
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Specific Groups
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
National
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
