A Preliminary Evaluation of Metacognitive Beliefs in High Functioning Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Purpose: Metacognitive beliefs and processes have been found to perpetuate anxiety and depression in youth and adults. However, the presence of metacognitive beliefs in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is somewhat unclear and has received limited research attention to date. The aim of the current research was to explore metacognitive beliefs in children with autism and associations with anxiety and depression. Design/methodology/approach: Twenty-three high functioning participants (17 male and 6 female) between the ages of eight and 12 (M = 10.38) diagnosed on the autism spectrum completed the study. Participants completed the Revised Children’s Scale of Anxiety and Depression and the Metacognitions Questionnaire for Children. Findings: Correlation analyses revealed that positive and negative metacognitive beliefs were found, as hypothesised, to be prevalent in this sample. Originality/value: Despite methodological limitations, this is one of the first research evaluations to provide evidence for metacognitive beliefs in high functioning children with autism and comorbid anxiety or low mood