High-functioning children with autism were compared with two control groups
on measures of anxiety and social worries. Comparison control groups consi
sted of children with specific language impairment (SLI) and normally devel
oping children. Each group consisted of 15 children between the ages of 8 a
nd 12 years and were matched for age and gender. Children with autism were
found to be most anxious on both measures. High anxiety subscale scores for
the autism group were separation anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder
. These findings are discussed within the context of theories of autism and
anxiety in the general population of children. Suggestions for future rese
arch-are made.