Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 19, 2025

Event-related Potentials During Target-response Tasks to Study Cognitive Processes of Upper Limb Use in Children with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy
08:26

Event-related Potentials During Target-response Tasks to Study Cognitive Processes of Upper Limb Use in Children with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy

Published on: January 11, 2016

12.5K

Complex Comorbid Presentations are Associated with Harmful Behavior Problems among Children and Adolescents with

Geraldine Leader1, Paola Molina Bonilla1, Katie Naughton1

  • 1National University of Ireland , Galway, Ireland.

Developmental Neurorehabilitation
|June 9, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) frequently experience gastrointestinal issues, sleep disturbances, and behavioral challenges, often linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms. These comorbidities significantly impact behavior problems in children with CP.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a complex neurological disorder impacting motor function.
  • Children with CP often present with a range of co-occurring conditions.
  • Understanding these comorbidities is crucial for comprehensive care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms, sleep problems, internalizing/externalizing symptoms, behavior problems, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms in children with CP.
  • To examine the relationships between these conditions.
  • To identify predictors of behavior problems in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 104 children and adolescents with CP.
  • Parental completion of validated questionnaires including the Gastrointestinal Symptom Inventory, Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire, Child Behavior Checklist, Social Communication Questionnaire, and Behavior Problem Inventory-Short Form.

Main Results:

  • High prevalence rates were observed for behavior problems (88.5%), gastrointestinal symptoms (81.7%), sleep problems (81%), ASD symptoms (48%), and internalizing/externalizing symptoms (31.7%).
  • Significant relationships were identified between gastrointestinal symptoms and sleep/internalizing/externalizing symptoms, and between sleep problems and behavior problems.
  • Intellectual disability, sleep problems, internalizing/externalizing symptoms, and ASD symptoms were significant predictors of behavior problems.

Conclusions:

  • Children and adolescents with CP exhibit a high frequency of comorbidities.
  • These comorbidities, including gastrointestinal issues, sleep disturbances, and ASD symptoms, are interconnected and influence behavior problems.
  • Addressing these co-occurring conditions is essential for managing behavior problems in CP.

Keywords:
Cerebral palsyautism spectrum disorderbehavior problemsexternalizing symptomsgastrointestinal symptomsinternalizing symptomssleep problems

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Movement Observation in Cerebral Palsy07:20

Author Spotlight: Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Movement Observation in Cerebral Palsy

Published on: August 9, 2024

1.7K
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

9.4K

Related Concept Videos

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;...
380
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.
804
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....
631
Positive Symptoms of Schizophrenia: Hallucinations and Delusions01:30

Positive Symptoms of Schizophrenia: Hallucinations and Delusions

Schizophrenia is a complex mental health disorder that can manifest with various positive symptoms, including thought, movement, and behavior disorders. These symptoms significantly disrupt cognitive and motor functions, leading to profound effects on an individual's ability to engage with the world.
Thought Disorders
Disorganized and unusual thought processes mark thought disorders in schizophrenia. One key feature is disorganized speech, where an individual's conversation includes...
405
Modeling in Therapy01:26

Modeling in Therapy

Modeling, a key technique in therapy, uses observational learning to help clients acquire and practice new skills by watching therapists demonstrate desired behaviors. This approach, rooted in Albert Bandura's concept of vicarious learning, plays a significant role in therapeutic interventions for various psychological conditions, including social anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
312
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...
383