Changes in Maladaptive Behaviors From Midchildhood to Young Adulthood in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

The current study prospectively examined trajectories of change in symptoms of irritability, hyperactivity, and social withdrawal, as well as predictors of such behaviors from age 9 to 18 for youths with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and a comparison group with nonspectrum developmental delays. Children with more severe core features of autism had consistently higher irritability and hyperactivity scores over time than those with broader ASD and nonspectrum delays. Across all diagnoses, behaviors related to hyperactivity showed the greatest improvement. Social withdrawal worsened with age for a substantial proportion of youths with ASD but not for the nonspectrum comparison group. Compared with nonspectrum youths, children with ASD showed greater heterogeneity in trajectories for maladaptive behaviors.

Age-related trends in treatment use for children with autism spectrum disorder

“…Indeed, comorbid mood and anxiety problems tend to increase with age (Mayes, Calhoun, Murray & Zahid, 2011), while symptoms such as hyperactivity and irritability have been shown to decrease as children with ASD get older (Anderson, Maye, & Lord, 2011). The prevalence and presentation of both core and comorbid symptoms likely influence use of psychotropic treatment.…”

Improving Psychosexual Knowledge in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Pilot of the Tackling Teenage Training Program

“…The discrepancy between their physical development and their socio-emotional development, may increasingly lead to difficulties as individuals with ASD mature (Kuo et al 2011;Anderson et al 2011;Sullivan and Caterino 2008), especially with regard to psychosexual functioning (Gougeon 2010). Psychosexual functioning is a multi-facet concept covering not merely sexual behaviors (i.e.…”

Measuring the Plasticity of Social Approach: A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effects of the PEERS Intervention on EEG Asymmetry in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders

“…Symptoms in ASD are not static, but may change form across developmental periods, with the transition to adolescence being one of the most dramatic (Anderson et al 2011;Shea and Mesibov 2005;Thurm et al 2011). Most theorists agree that a neurological disturbance in activity and connectivity contributes to the social deficits in ASD (see Dawson 2008;Minshew and Keller 2010;Mundy 2003, andNeuhaus, et al 2010, for reviews).…”