Article

AIM: To assess the frequency, pervasiveness, associated features, and persistence
of emotional and behavioural problems in a community sample of young children
with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHOD: Parents
(n=277) and teachers (n=228)
of 4- to 8-year-olds completed the Developmental Behaviour Checklist (DBC).
Intellectual ability and autism symptomatology were also assessed. A subsample
repeated the DBC. RESULTS: Three-quarters of the cohort scored above the clinical
cut-off on the Developmental Behaviour Checklist Primary Carer Version (DBC-P)
questionnaire; almost two-thirds of these scored above cut-off on the
Developmental Behaviour Checklist Teacher Version (DBC-T) questionnaire. In 81%,
problems persisted above threshold 14 months later. Higher DBC-P scores were
associated with greater autism symptomatology, higher deprivation index, parental
unemployment, and more children in the home but not with parental education or
ethnicity, or child's age or sex. Children with IQ>70 scored higher for
disruptive behaviour, depression, and anxiety symptoms; those with IQ<70 scored
higher for self-absorption and hyperactivity. INTERPRETATION: The DBC identifies
a range of additional behaviour problems that are common in ASD and which could
be the focus for specific intervention. The results highlight the potential
benefit of systematic screening for co-existing problems.
CI - (c) 2015 Mac Keith Press.

Langue : ANGLAIS