Improving Anxiety Assessment in Autism: A Potential Use for Heart Rate Variability and Heart Rate

Abstract

Anxiety is an area of documented challenge for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Despite this, some studies state that those with ASD and language deficits have lower reported anxiety than those without language deficits. This effect may be due to the complicated task of appropriately evaluating anxiety in those with compromised language. Using biomarkers of anxiety, such as reduced Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and increased Heart Rate (HR), may improve anxiety assessment but more research is necessary. Specifically, it would be helpful to understand if the relationship between HRV/HR and anxiety is moderated by language abilities in children with ASD, and whether HRV/HR can discriminate between anxiety and other emotions, like anger, in children with ASD. This study examined the relationship between baseline HRV/HR, language ability, and different emotional states (i.e., anxiety and anger) in a sample of 23 children with ASD. It was hypothesized that receptive language would moderate the relationship between decreased HRV/increased HR and increased anxiety but not the relationship between decreased HRV/increased HR and increased anger. Multiple regression analyses indicated that HRV and HR were not significant predictors of anxiety or anger, and language was not a significant moderator. Future studies may wish to take new approaches to determining the role of language in the relationship between HRV/HR and anxiety.