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Challenging behaviour and its correlates in preschool-aged children with an intellectual disability in Saudi Arabia
S Alarifi1,2, L Denne1, R P Hastings1
1Centre for Research in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.
Insights
Challenging behaviours (CB) are common in young children with intellectual disabilities, particularly those with autism. Early screening for CB in Saudi Arabia is crucial for timely intervention and support.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Child Psychiatry
- Intellectual Disability Research
Background:
- Young children with intellectual disabilities (ID) face a higher risk of developing challenging behaviours (CB).
- Early identification of risk factors for CB is essential for timely intervention.
- This study investigated the prevalence and correlates of CB in preschool-aged children with ID in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of challenging behaviours (CB) in preschool-aged children with intellectual disabilities.
- To identify correlates associated with challenging behaviours in this population.
- To inform early intervention strategies in Saudi Arabia.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional online survey was administered to 120 parents of preschool-aged children (3-6 years) diagnosed with intellectual disability (ID) based on DSM-5 criteria.
- Data collected included demographics, challenging behaviours (CB), and child adaptive skills.
- Statistical analyses (independent samples t-tests, chi-squared tests) examined the relationship between CB and 15 potential correlates.
Main Results:
- A high prevalence of CB was observed in 78.8% of preschool-aged children with ID.
- Specific behaviours included self-injurious behaviours (63.2%), aggressive/destructive behaviours (57.6%), and stereotypy (25%).
- Higher rates of self-injurious and stereotyped behaviours were linked to co-occurring autism and ID, while children with Down syndrome showed less stereotypy. Low adaptive skills correlated with increased CB.
Conclusions:
- Correlates of CB in this Saudi Arabian context align with international findings.
- Early, systematic screening for CB is recommended for preschool-aged children with ID in Saudi Arabia and similar regions.
- Preventative measures should target children with ID, especially those with autism or poor adaptive behaviours, who are at higher risk for CB.
Background:
Young children with an intellectual disability have a higher risk of developing challenging behaviour (CB). Early identification of risk factors for CB allows for earlier intervention. The aim of the current study was to assess the prevalence and correlates of CB in preschool-aged children with an intellectual disability in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia).
Methods:
One hundred twenty parents of preschool-aged (3-6 years old) children who had been diagnosed (DSM-5 criteria) with an intellectual disability completed an online cross-sectional survey that included demographic, CB and child adaptive skills measures. The relationship between CB and 15 potential correlates (e.g. gender and degree of disability) was examined using independent samples t-tests and chi-squared tests.
Results:
Most preschool-aged (3-6 years old) children with an intellectual disability exhibited CB (78.8%, 95% CI [70.3, 85.8]), with a 63.2% prevalence rate for self-injurious behaviours (95% C [53.8, 72.0]), a 57.6% rate for aggressive destructive behaviours (95% CI [48.2, 66.7]) and a 25% rate for stereotypy (95% CI [17.7, 34.0]). The likelihood of a child engaging in self-injurious and stereotyped behaviours was higher in those with autism and intellectual disability. Children with Down syndrome displayed fewer stereotyped behaviours. Low adaptive skill levels were associated with increased overall CB, self-injurious and stereotyped behaviours.
Conclusions:
The identified correlates of CB in this population and cultural context align with the international evidence base. Findings have implications for the importance of early systematic screening of CB in preschool-aged children in Saudi Arabia and other similar contexts. Preventative measures are suggested for preschool-aged children with an intellectual disability who are more likely to demonstrate CB, such as those with autism and poor adaptive behaviours.
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