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The missing link: delayed emotional development predicts challenging behavior in adults with intellectual disability
Tanja Sappok1, Jan Budczies, Isabel Dziobek
1Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Königin-Elisabeth-Herzberge Hospital, University Affiliated Hospital of the Charité, Herzbergstr.79, 10365, Berlin, Germany, tanja.sappok@t-online.de.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|September 5, 2013
Summary
Challenging behavior (CB) in adults with intellectual disability (ID) is linked to low emotional development (ED) and autism, not ID severity. Addressing ED and autism may improve social participation and potential.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Developmental Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Individuals with intellectual disability (ID) exhibit a high prevalence of challenging behaviors (CB).
- Understanding the underlying factors of CB is crucial for effective intervention in this population.
- Previous research has explored various contributing elements, but a comprehensive analysis in a clinical adult ID sample is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the factors associated with challenging behavior (CB) in a clinical sample of adults with intellectual disability (ID).
- To determine the predictive value of emotional development (ED) and the severity of ID on CB.
- To identify any specific mental disorders linked to CB and predict treatment outcomes, such as antipsychotic drug usage.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study design was employed.
- The study included a clinical sample of 203 adults with intellectual disability (ID).
- Emotional development (ED) was assessed using the Scheme of Appraisal of ED; data on employment, occupation, mental disorders, and medication were collected.
Main Results:
- Lower levels of emotional development (ED) significantly predicted overall CB, including irritability and self-injury.
- High unemployment and low occupation rates were associated with lower ED.
- Autism was the sole mental disorder linked to overall CB, stereotypy, lethargy, and predicted antipsychotic drug usage. Severity of ID did not predict CB when ED was controlled.
- ED and autism were identified as key factors influencing CB in adults with ID.
Conclusions:
- Emotional development (ED) and autism are significant factors contributing to challenging behavior (CB) in adults with intellectual disability (ID).
- The severity of ID itself is not a primary predictor of CB when ED is considered.
- Targeting ED and autism in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies is recommended to enhance social participation and personal potential for individuals with ID.
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