Behavioral Analysis of Anxiety in Autism

Authors

Megan Christensen, Brigham Young University
Dr. Mikle South, Brigham Young University

Keywords

behavioral analysis, anxiety, autism

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Psychology

Abstract

Autism is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction and communication. Anxiety is also an extremely common feature with approximately 81% of children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder also qualified for at least one other anxiety disorder (Amaral et al., 2003). Amaral et al. (2003) have shown that monkeys with bilateral amygdala damage lack of fear in typically threatening social situations. Blanchard et al. (2001) have shown that humans react to hypothetical fearful scenarios in much the same way that rats do in actual threatening situations, i.e. “freezing” or run away depending on the level of danger.

Recommended Citation

Christensen, Megan and South, Dr. Mikle (2013) "Behavioral Analysis of Anxiety in Autism," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 546.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/546