title: Seasonal fluctuations in problem behaviors among young adults with autism and intellectual disability.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Acute behavioral alterations have been frequently reported in patients with autism. However, the question as to whether behavioral problems undergo seasonal variations in autism remains to be addressed.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a prospective observational study over 29 months, problem behaviors amongst 23 young adults with autism and intellectual disability living in a farm community center were assessed. Behavioral problems were recorded daily using the Rossago Behavioral Checklist. Data were collected on clinical characteristics, drug usage, changes in staff composition, daily schedule, rehabilitative activities, and food administration.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Problem behaviors showed significant seasonal fluctuations. The frequency of problem behaviors showed a maximum in mid-April and a minimum in mid-October (mean difference: 1.24 behaviors).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Taken together, these data suggest the occurrence of significant seasonal fluctuations in problem behaviors amongst young adults with autism and intellectual disability. Further studies are needed to shed more light on the mechanisms underlying these fluctuations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy. marianna.boso@unipv.it
authors.forename: Marianna
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Boso
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Comelli
authors.forename: Enzo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Emanuele
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Podavini
authors.forename: Mara
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Marini
authors.forename: Lara
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mancini
authors.forename: Stefania
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ucelli di Nemi
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Barale
authors.forename: Pierluigi
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Politi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000523:psychology*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D012621:Seasons