Autism Traits in Adolescents With Social Anxiety Disorder: Associations With Parental Broader Autism Phenotype

Autism spectrum traits and social anxiety share clinical and cognitive features, particularly in the domains of social communication and interaction. These overlaps suggest that autistic traits may be present in adolescents diagnosed with social anxiety disorder (SAD), even in the absence of a formal autism diagnosis. Furthermore, the concept of the broader autism phenotype (BAP) suggests that subclinical autism-related features may be observed in parents of individuals with autism traits.

This study includes 109 adolescents (aged 11-17) diagnosed with SAD and their parents. The adolescents completed a standardized scale assessing social anxiety severity, while parents completed the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) for their children and the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) to assess BAP characteristics in themselves. The study aimed to explore the associations between adolescents' autism-related traits and their social anxiety severity, and to evaluate how parental BAP scores (particularly fathers') may be associated with these traits.

Note: This study involved prospective recruitment and data collection; however, registration was completed retrospectively after the study was completed.

Inclusion criteria

Adolescents aged 11-17 years diagnosed with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAB). Availability of at least one biological parent willing to participate. Ability to provide informed consent/assent.

Exclusion criteria

Presence of intellectual disability or severe neurological disorder. Comorbid psychiatric diagnoses that could interfere with assessment (e.g., psychosis).

Non-fluency in the language of assessment.