title: Behaviour problems in children with learning disabilities: to what extent do they exist and are they a problem?
abstract: The parents of 68 young children with learning disabilities were interviewed to assess the number and type of behaviour problems that their child exhibited. Parents' perceptions of their ability to cope with the behaviours were sought. The average number of behaviour problems was 7.4 per child, with poor concentration and sleep problems occurring most frequently. Fifty-seven per cent of parents who reported that their child hurt themself felt unable to cope with those behaviours. Scores of parents' perceived coping skills and malaise were associated with the number of behaviour problems. Parents who reported that their child hurt themself, hurt others or had a sleep problem were likely to have a higher malaise score.
authors.affiliation: Plymouth Community Services NHS Trust, University of Plymouth, UK.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Saxby
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Morgan
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D002669:Child Welfare; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D002666:Psychology, Child; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000150:complications; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires