Children with severe developmental disabilities and behavioral disorders have increased special healthcare needs.
We studied whether children with severe developmental disabilities (SDDs) who have a comorbid behavioral disorder also have higher rates of special healthcare needs (SHCNs). We used a matched-comparison control group design to establish whether SHCNs were higher in children with SDDs with behavioral disorders versus children with SDDs without behavioral disorders. Thirty-six children were matched for age (mean 12 y 6 mo; range 5 y 2 mo-18 y 8 mo), sex (24 males, 12 females), ethnicity (22 non-white), mental retardation level (22 moderate, eight severe, six profound), and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition axis I diagnosis (18 autism spectrum disorder, 10 specified syndrome, eight mental retardation not otherwise specified). Measures included the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist, behavioral observation, health status examination, and Childhood Health Questionnaire (CHQ). Children with SDDs with behavioral disorders had significantly higher levels of SHCN, as measured by the CHQ and health status examination. Children with SDDs with behavioral disorders had a twofold higher incidence of SHCNs than children with SDDs without behavioral disorders. No difference was observed in the number or types of prescription medication that children received. The findings suggest that SHCNs contribute to the occurrence and/or intensity of behavioral disorders in children with SDD and may require interdisciplinary care coordination.
Department of Special Education and Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37203, USA. craig.kennedy@vanderbilt.edu
Craig H
CH
Kennedy
A Pablo
AP
Juárez
Angela
A
Becker
Kathryn
K
Greenslade
Mark T
MT
Harvey
Clare
C
Sullivan
Brenna
B
Tally
D000015:Abnormalities, Multiple; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004358:Drug Therapy; D004519:Education, Special; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D015995:Prevalence; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires