Maladaptive behavior of children with autism spectrum disorder and children with intellectual disability

Abstract

Maladaptive behavior has a high incidence rate in populations with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability (ID). Early studies indicate its higher incidence in people with autism spectrum disorder compared to those with ID and atypical development of a second nature. The research aims to determine the incidence and severity of self-injury, stereotypic behavior and aggression/destruction in children with autism spectrum disorder and children with ID, as well as possible differences between diagnostic groups; association of ages with forms of maladaptive behavior and the relationship between all three forms of maladaptive behavior within diagnostic groups. The Behavior Problems Inventory was applied to a sample of 22 subjects with autism spectrum disorder and 30 subjects with ID, 7 to 12 years of age. In both cases, these people had more severe forms of ID. The results indicate that stereotypic behavior had the highest frequency and severity in both diagnostic groups, followed by self-injury and aggression/destruction. Self-injuring and stereotypic behavior had a significantly higher frequency and severity in children with autism spectrum disorder. The frequency of self-injury significantly correlated with stereotypic behavior in children with ID, while in children with autism spectrum disorder there was a significant relationship between the frequency of self-injury and aggression/destruction. Significant correlation in both groups of subjects was also determined in relation to the severity of these forms of maladaptive behavior. The age significantly correlated with maladaptive behavior only in children with autism spectrum disorder, with both dimensions of self-injuries. It is necessary to develop adaptive abilities of children with autism spectrum disorder and ID in order to minimize the risks of maladaptive behavior, as well as for parents and experts to acquire knowledge about.