The relation of social behaviours and challenging behaviours in infants and toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
OBJECTIVE
Challenging behaviours are a commonly co-occuring problem in children with ASD and are often present during the toddler years. The relationship that these challenging behaviours have with core features of ASD, specifically social behaviours, was examined in this study.


METHODS
This study analysed the relationship between socialization and challenging behaviours among 153 toddlers with autism spectrum disorder. Social behaviour was evaluated using the Battelle Developmental Inventory, 2nd Edition and challenging behaviours were assessed using Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits, Part 3.


RESULTS
Lower levels of adult interaction and peer interaction were associated with higher levels of stereotypic behaviour, aggressive/destructive behaviour and to a lesser extent self-injury.


CONCLUSIONS
The nature of the relationships between socialization and challenging behaviours likely interact in several ways. A better understanding of these relationships is essential to early identification and treatment of children with ASD.
Matson
Johnny L
JL
Psychology, Louisiana State University, Psychology, Baton Rouge, 70816, USA. johnmatson@aol.com
Neal
Daniene
D
Fodstad
Jill C
JC
Hess
Julie A
JA
D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology; D002652:Child Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000523:psychology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D010988:Play and Playthings; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012919:Social Behavior; D012951:Socialization