Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 29, 2026

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
09:13

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Published on: April 22, 2015

16.5K

Psychosocial functioning in children with neurodevelopmental disorders and externalizing behavior problems

Rubab G Arim1, Dafna E Kohen, Rochelle E Garner

  • 1Health Analysis Division, Statistics Canada , Ottawa, Ontario , Canada .

Disability and Rehabilitation
|May 21, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and externalizing behavior problems (EBPs) show poorer psychosocial functioning. Parenting and socio-demographic factors influence these outcomes, highlighting the need for comprehensive interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Developmental Neuroscience
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and externalizing behavior problems (EBPs) can significantly impact a child's social and emotional development.
  • Understanding the psychosocial functioning of children with these conditions is crucial for effective intervention and support.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the psychosocial functioning of children with NDDs and/or EBPs to that of children without these conditions.
  • To examine the role of socio-demographic characteristics and parenting behaviors in these associations.

Main Methods:

  • A longitudinal study using data from the Canadian National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (N=3476).
  • Children aged 6-9 years were followed biennially, assessing psychosocial functioning (peer relationships, self-esteem, prosocial behavior, anxiety-emotional problems).
  • Associations between NDDs/EBPs, child/family factors, and parenting were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Children with NDDs, EBPs, or both reported lower general self-esteem.
  • Children with NDDs and those with both conditions reported poorer peer relationships and prosocial behavior.
  • Children with both NDDs and EBPs reported higher anxiety-emotional problems; these differences remained significant after accounting for covariates, particularly for children with both conditions.

Conclusions:

  • Psychosocial functioning varies significantly in children with NDDs and/or EBPs.
  • Children with comorbid NDDs and EBPs exhibit the poorest psychosocial outcomes.
  • Socio-demographic factors, parenting, and comorbid conditions are critical considerations for understanding and improving child psychosocial functioning.
Abstract

Keywords:
Behavior problemsCanadachild disabilitiesneurodevelopmental disorderspsychosocial aspects

More Related Videos

Comparing Eye-tracking Data of Children with High-functioning ASD, Comorbid ADHD, and of a Control Watching Social Videos05:32

Comparing Eye-tracking Data of Children with High-functioning ASD, Comorbid ADHD, and of a Control Watching Social Videos

Published on: December 7, 2018

8.5K
Psychophysiological Assessment of the Effectiveness of Emotion Regulation Strategies in Childhood08:09

Psychophysiological Assessment of the Effectiveness of Emotion Regulation Strategies in Childhood

Published on: February 11, 2017

10.6K

Related Concept Videos

Socioemotional Development during Infancy01:30

Socioemotional Development during Infancy

Socio-emotional development in infancy is primarily shaped by early emotional responses and social connections, with temperament playing a central role. Temperament refers to the consistent patterns in an individual's emotional and behavioral responses, observable even in infancy. By examining temperament, researchers can better understand an infant's unique ways of interacting with the world, influencing subsequent personality and socio-emotional growth.
Primary Temperament Types
1.4K
Oppositional Defiant Disorder01:30

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

A persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, defiant behavior, or vindictiveness characterizes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Symptoms must occur over at least six months, involve interactions with individuals beyond siblings, and meet specific diagnostic criteria to be clinically significant. The disorder affects emotional regulation, social interactions, and behavior, often manifesting early in life and influencing long-term development and functioning.
Diagnostic Criteria and...
1.5K
Conduct Disorder01:28

Conduct Disorder

Conduct disorder is a complex mental health diagnosis characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates societal norms, the rights of others, or age-appropriate rules. The diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder require the presence of at least three problematic behaviors within the past 12 months, with at least one occurring in the past six months. These behaviors are grouped into four categories: aggression toward people and animals; destruction of property;...
1.0K
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
1.4K
Personality Disorders: Paranoid and Schizoid01:22

Personality Disorders: Paranoid and Schizoid

Personality disorders represent enduring cognition, affect, and behavior patterns that significantly deviate from societal norms. These maladaptive traits often lead to difficulties in various domains, including interpersonal relationships, occupational settings, and overall psychological well-being. Paranoid personality disorder and schizoid personality disorder are two distinct conditions marked by odd or eccentric behavior.
Paranoid Personality Disorder
Paranoid personality disorder is...
1.2K
Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
2.0K