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Behavioral problems in adolescents and young adults with neurodevelopmental disorders

Yasumichi Kuwahara1,2, Maina Yonezawa3, Hiroaki Miya3

  • 1Department of Kyoto Pediatric Community-Based Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.

Pediatrics International : Official Journal of the Japan Pediatric Society
|June 19, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often face communication challenges and behavioral issues, including self-injury. Early interventions like applied behavior analysis are crucial for improving outcomes and quality of life.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Clinical Psychiatry

Background:

  • Rising prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.
  • Concerns regarding extended waiting times for medical evaluations for NDD.
  • Establishment of a specialized developmental disorders clinic at Fukuchiyama City Hospital in 2010.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate behavioral challenges in patients aged 15 and older with NDD, focusing on ASD.
  • Identify challenges in medical and social treatments for this demographic.
  • Highlight the specific needs of adolescents and young adults with ASD attending developmental clinics.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of medical records from patients aged 15+ diagnosed with NDD.
  • Data collection from January to December 2023 at Fukuchiyama City Hospital's developmental outpatient clinic.
  • Assessment of demographics, visit duration, diagnoses, communication skills, and behavioral problems.

Main Results:

  • Out of 68 NDD patients, 45 were diagnosed with ASD.
  • Significant communication difficulties observed, with 31.1% lacking substantial verbal skills.
  • Prevalent behavioral issues included inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, harmful behaviors, and self-injury; low developmental quotient correlated with maladaptive behaviors, but not harmful ones.

Conclusions:

  • Adolescents and young adults with ASD present unique behavioral challenges in developmental clinics.
  • Early and targeted interventions, such as applied behavior analysis, are essential for managing difficult behaviors, particularly harmful actions.
  • Family and caregiver support, guided by behavior analysis principles, is vital for improving quality of life for individuals with NDD.
Abstract

Keywords:
adolescents and young adultsapplied behavior analysisautism spectrum disorderneurodevelopmental disordersproblem behavior

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