Abstract
Challenging behaviors including aggression, property destruction, stereotypy, and self injury occur at a high prevalence in
individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). These behaviors are pervasive and chronic. Despite an increased probability
and negative consequences, one area which has received little attention is the presence of challenging behaviors in infants
and toddlers with ASD. We investigated if this pattern of problem behaviors can be detected in those with ASD at an early
age. Six-hundred and twenty-four atypically developing toddlers classified as ASD (n = 297) or non-ASD (n = 327) were studied using the Baby and Infant SCreen for aUtIsm Traits-Part 3 (BISCUIT-Part 3). Participants were divided into four age groups: 12–18 months, 19–25 months, 26–32 months, and 33–39 months. A factorial
MANCOVA was used to assess age and diagnostic group differences on BISCUIT-Part 3 domains. A general trend of severity of challenging behavior in infants and toddlers with ASD was noted to occur across age
cohorts. Implications of the results and directions for future research are discussed.
individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). These behaviors are pervasive and chronic. Despite an increased probability
and negative consequences, one area which has received little attention is the presence of challenging behaviors in infants
and toddlers with ASD. We investigated if this pattern of problem behaviors can be detected in those with ASD at an early
age. Six-hundred and twenty-four atypically developing toddlers classified as ASD (n = 297) or non-ASD (n = 327) were studied using the Baby and Infant SCreen for aUtIsm Traits-Part 3 (BISCUIT-Part 3). Participants were divided into four age groups: 12–18 months, 19–25 months, 26–32 months, and 33–39 months. A factorial
MANCOVA was used to assess age and diagnostic group differences on BISCUIT-Part 3 domains. A general trend of severity of challenging behavior in infants and toddlers with ASD was noted to occur across age
cohorts. Implications of the results and directions for future research are discussed.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-18
- DOI 10.1007/s10882-011-9266-9
- Authors
- Jill C. Fodstad, Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, USA
- Johannes Rojahn, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
- Johnny L. Matson, Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, USA
- Journal Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities
- Online ISSN 1573-3580
- Print ISSN 1056-263X