Longitudinal predictors of internalizing and externalizing symptoms in asd: the role of ritualistic behavior and social skills

Youth with ASD commonly experience co-occurring emotional and behavioral difficulties such as anxiety, depression, and hyperactivity ( Siminoff et al, 2008 ). Preliminary evidence suggests a significant relation between the core features of ASD and emotion dysregulation ( Samson et al, 2014 ). Examining the specific role of core ASD features (ie, social communication, ritualistic behaviors) in the later expression of internalizing and externalizing symptoms in youth with ASD is critical to understand the likelihood of co-occurring mental health problems in this population. The present study sought to examine the longitudinal impact of ritualistic behavior and social skills on internalizing and externalizing symptoms in youth with ASD.