Greater Physical Activity is Associated with Lower Rates of Anxiety and Depression Among Autistic and ADHD Youth: National Survey of Children’s Health 2016–2020

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Abstract
Data from the National Survey of Children’s Health 2016–2020 was used to examine the association between physical activity and anxiety and depression among autistic youth, non-autistic youth with ADHD, and non-autistic non-ADHD youth. There was a significant negative association between physical activity and anxiety among all groups. Reduction in anxiety or depression associated with greater physical activity was at least as large or larger among autistic or nonautistic youth with ADHD than among non-autistic non-ADHD youth. Unfortunately, even autistic youth who were physically active 4 to 7 days a week showed very high rates of anxiety (54.5%) and depression (23.1%). Very high levels of dual diagnosis of anxiety and depression in autistic youth and youth with ADHD also emerged. Findings highlight a need to determine the cause-and-effect relationships among physical activity, anxiety, and depression across groups and to prioritize mental health screenings and support for autistic youth and youth with ADHD.

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