Anxiety-related symptomatology in young children on the autism spectrum.

Keen et al. (2019) asked parents of 95 autistic 5- and 6-year-olds to fill out an anxiety checklist. The team wanted to see which anxiety signs show up most often in very young kids on the spectrum.

They looked at three groups of items: uncertainty, separation, and anxious-arousal (like racing heart).

Uncertainty items were picked most. Anxious-arousal items were picked least. Kids with lower adaptive skills showed a slightly different pattern.

In short, little autistic children rarely look 'classically' anxious. They more often show worry about what will happen next.

Rosen et al. (2016) reviewed seven trials and found desensitization and reinforcement cut anxiety in lower-functioning autistic children. Deb’s survey shows the same age group, so the trials likely captured the 'uncertainty' profile Deb describes.

Pellecchia et al. (2016) saw that social anxiety predicted smaller cognitive gains during school ABA. Deb’s data explain why: social fear may be one of the 'uncertainty' signs teachers need to spot early.

McIntyre et al. (2017) showed anxiety worsens social-communication scores across childhood. Deb narrows the lens to kindergarten age, giving you the first clear picture before school demands kick in.

Stop scanning only for hyperventilating or shaky hands. In 5- to 6-year-olds with autism, look instead for repeated questions, checking routines, or clingy behavior. These uncertainty cues are your red flags. Catch them early and you can weave Rosen-style desensitization or Melanie-style social-anxiety supports into the child’s everyday ABA plan, potentially sparing them later social and cognitive struggles.