Correlates of Anxiety in Children and Adults With Moderate to Profound Intellectual Disability

Abstract Purpose Identifying potential risk markers implicated in the development and maintenance of anxiety will inform theoretical models and intervention development. However, there is an identified gap in the literature exploring this in individuals with moderate-profound intellectual disability (ID). The current study sought to identify correlates of anxiety in this population. Methods A community-based sample of 165 parents/carers of individuals with ID took part in a cross-sectional questionnaire study exploring the relationships between sensory processing differences, repetitive behaviour, intolerance of uncertainty, health difficulties, and anxiety. Demographic factors such as age and gender, as well as potential covariates including diagnosis and autism characteristics were considered in the analyses. Due to a paucity of validated measures for individuals with moderate-profound ID, analyses were explored across two existing anxiety measures. Results Diagnosis of genetic syndromes and demographic variables were not consistently significantly associated with anxiety once other factors associated with anxiety were added. Auditory sensory processing differences, intolerance of uncertainty and health difficulties were consistently associated with anxiety. Repetitive behaviour, tactile and visual sensory processing differences were not associated with anxiety, Conclusion This work may help to inform explanations for differing prevalence rates across groups, whilst fostering an inclusive approach by including individuals with diagnoses associated with ID and autism, who may present to the same clinical services.