The relationship between peer victimization and the psychological characteristics of youth with autism spectrum disorder

Background: Youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are frequently victimized. Acts of peer victimization of youth with ASD can lead to the development of detrimental and maladaptive behavioral problems. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between peer victimization and the psychological characteristics of youth with ASD. Method: Study participants were 81 school -aged youth with ASD between the ages of 9 and 17 years and had an intelligence quotient (IQ)>= 70 and their parents. Participants completed questionnaires examining the frequency of peer victimization and clinical characteristics of the youth. Results: Victimization had a significant positive relationship with child's loneliness and anxiety and depressive symptoms, and a significant negative relationship with social skills. The relationship between victimization and these symptoms did not significantly vary as a function of social support. The relationship between victimization and social avoidance was not mediated by a fear of negative evaluation. Conclusions: These results may assist in identifying risk factors for peer victimization in youth with ASD and may help to shape treatment protocols by targeting the associated factors of peer victimization (e.g., anxiety and depressive symptoms, social skill deficits). (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.