1. Pre-pandemic Executive Function Protects Against Pandemic Anxiety in Children with and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- Author
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Romero C, Kupis L, Goodman ZT, Dirks B, Baez A, Beaumont AL, Cardona SM, Parlade MV, Alessandri M, Nomi JS, Perry LK, and Uddin LQ
- Subjects
- Humans, Child, Female, Male, SARS-CoV-2, Depression psychology, Adolescent, Autism Spectrum Disorder psychology, Autism Spectrum Disorder epidemiology, COVID-19 psychology, COVID-19 prevention & control, Executive Function physiology, Anxiety psychology
- Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic may have exacerbated depression, anxiety, and executive function (EF) difficulties in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). EF skills have been positively associated with mental health outcomes. Here, we probed the psychosocial impacts of pandemic responses in children with and without ASD by relating pre-pandemic EF assessments with anxiety and depression symptoms several months into the pandemic. We found that pre-pandemic inhibition and shifting difficulties, measured by the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, predicted higher risk of anxiety symptoms. These findings are critical for promoting community recovery and maximizing clinical preparedness to support children at increased risk for adverse psychosocial outcomes., (© 2023. This is a U.S. Government work and not under copyright protection in the US; foreign copyright protection may apply.)
- Published
- 2024
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