title: A survey of aggressive behaviour among a population of persons with intellectual disability in Queensland.
abstract: A survey was conducted on aggressive behaviour within a population of 2412 persons with intellectual disability in Queensland, Australia. Two hundred and sixty-one individuals were identified who engaged in at least one form of aggressive behaviour, yielding an overall prevalence of 11%. The relative prevalence of aggressive behaviour was higher among institutionalized persons (35%) when compared to those living in group homes (17%) or other community-based facilities (3%). The aggressive behaviour sample included a higher percentage of males (64%). Most were described as functioning in the severe/profound (54%) or moderate (31%) range of intellectual disability with one-third having no intelligible speech. Two-thirds of the sample received medication for their challenging behaviour, while only one-third had behavioural programmes. Eighty per cent engaged in three or more forms of aggression. Many also displayed self-injury (34%) or property destruction (30%). Surveys of aggressive behaviour may prove useful for coordinating services.
authors.affiliation: Fred and Eleanor Schonell Special Education Research Centre, University of Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sigafoos
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Elkins
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kerr
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Attwood
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology*; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D016352:Group Homes; D006801:Humans; D007326:Institutionalization; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D007360:Intelligence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011793:Queensland; D012307:Risk Factors; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012931:Social Environment; D013239:Stereotyped Behavior