J Abnorm Child Psychol

This study explored whether ASD phenotypes in the child were associated with a history of anxiety or depression in the mother. We hypothesized that an ASD profile in children characterized by mild delays and increased rates of dysregulation would be associated with preexisting maternal anxiety or depression. Participants were 672 preschool children with ASD and their mothers. Children were classified as ASD after a comprehensive developmental evaluation. Mothers reported whether a healthcare provider ever diagnosed them with anxiety or depression before the birth of their child. Four child ASD phenotypes were derived from latent class analysis: Mild Language Delay with Cognitive Rigidity (Type 1), Significant Developmental Delay with Repetitive Motor Behaviors (Type 2), General Developmental Delay (Type 3), and Mild Language and Motor Delay with Dysregulation (i.e., aggression, anxiety, depression, emotional reactivity, inattention, somatic complaints, and sleep problems) (Type 4). Type 2 ASD served as the referent category in statistical analyses. Results showed that 22.6% of mothers reported a diagnosis of anxiety or depression before the birth of their child. Maternal anxiety or depression was associated with 2.7 times the odds (95% confidence interval: 1.4, 5.3) of Type 4 or Dysregulated ASD in the child; maternal anxiety and depression was associated with 4.4 times the odds (95% confidence interval: 1.4, 14.0) of Type 4 or Dysregulated ASD in the child. Our findings suggest an association between Dysregulated ASD in the child and anxiety and depression in the mother. These findings can enhance screening methods and inform future research efforts.U10DD000184/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/U10 DD000180/DD/NCBDD CDC HHS/United StatesU10DD000181/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/U10DD000498/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/U10DD000180/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/U10 DD000181/DD/NCBDD CDC HHS/United StatesU10DD000183/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/U10 DD000184/DD/NCBDD CDC HHS/United StatesU01 DD000498/DD/NCBDD CDC HHS/United StatesCC999999/Intramural CDC HHS/United StatesU10 DD000182/DD/NCBDD CDC HHS/United StatesU10DD000182/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/U10 DD000183/DD/NCBDD CDC HHS/United States2019-04-01T00:00:00Z30128718PMC63841466095vault:3154