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Emotional and Behavioural Problems in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Abstract

The type, frequency and inter-relationships of emotional and behavioural problems in 863 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) were investigated using the population-based Database of children with ASD living in the North East of England (Daslne). A high rate of problems was reported, with 53 % of children having 4 or more types of problems frequently. Sleep, toileting and eating problems, hyperactivity, self injury and sensory difficulties were greater in children with lower language level and in special schooling. However, anxiety, tantrums and aggression towards others were frequent regardless of age, ability or schooling. The frequency of co-existing conditions, including such emotional and behavioural problems, in children with ASD has implications for designing appropriate support services for children and families.

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Acknowledgments

We are grateful for funding and other support for the Daslne database to the Northern Rock Foundation and the Children’s Foundation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Sir James Spence Institute, 3rd Floor, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK

    Morag Maskey, Ann Le Couteur & Helen McConachie

  2. Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

    Frances Warnell & Jeremy R. Parr

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  1. Morag Maskey
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  2. Frances Warnell
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  4. Ann Le Couteur
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  5. Helen McConachie
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Correspondence to Helen McConachie.

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Maskey, M., Warnell, F., Parr, J.R. et al. Emotional and Behavioural Problems in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 43, 851–859 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-012-1622-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-012-1622-9

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