Anxiety in Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The purpose of this study is to learn more about how anxiety affects youth with ASD and to identify ways the body reacts in response to anxiety. We are evaluating whether heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure, and sweat can be used to detect and measure anxiety severity in youth with autism spectrum disorder. This study will develop objective methods to detect anxiety in youth with ASD for use in future clinical trials.

• 7 to 17 years old with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder are eligible
• Youth with clinically significant heart disease might be ineligible

Participants and parents will share information about the participant’s anxiety, behaviors, and medical history over the virtual study visit. During the in-person anxiety assessment, the participant’s heart rate, heart rhythm, blood pressure, and sweat will be measured during 3 mild stressor tasks. At the end of the visit, the participant and their parents will be instructed on how to wear a portable heart rate monitor and smartwatch for up to 3 days.

3 hours over 2 sessions

This study will develop objective methods to detect anxiety in youth with ASD for use in future clinical trials.