Author : Gnakub Norbert Soke
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 233 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (955 download)
Book Synopsis Epidemiology of Self-injurious Behaviors in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders by : Gnakub Norbert Soke
Download or read book Epidemiology of Self-injurious Behaviors in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders written by Gnakub Norbert Soke and published by . This book was released on 2015 with total page 233 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by deficits in social communication, and the presence of restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviors and interests that are reported before the age of 3 years. The increase in the prevalence of ASD has been documented worldwide. There is no cure for ASD but treatment exists. Studies that used small clinical samples have reported high prevalence of self-injurious behaviors (SIB) in ASD, but data from large, population-based studies are lacking. SIB are highly disruptive and have important consequences to the individual, the family, and the society. The etiology of SIB is not completely understood, and prevention is challenged by lack of valid data on the prevalence, risk factors, and longitudinal changes. This study had three major aims: to provide population estimates of the prevalence of SIB and assess whether there are significant trends over time; to explore associations between SIB and various potential risk factors; to assess longitudinal changes in the presence and severity of SIB, and explore baseline characteristics that may influence these changes. This study used data from two large samples of children with ASD: the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network and the Autism Treatment Network (ATN). In ADDM, more than 25% of children with ASD had the presence of SIB documented in their records, but no significant trends were identified in the prevalence over time. In both datasets, child, household, and community characteristics were associated with SIB, including child's younger age, behavioral and developmental factors, somatic conditions, maternal smoking during pregnancy and low educational attainment at the time of child's birth, and living in a community with limited resources. Though the majority of children did not show major changes in SIB overtime, significant changes were documented in a considerable proportion of them. More parents reported resolution of previous SIB and improvement in the severity than new occurrence or deterioration. Individual characteristics and family factors at baseline predicted these changes. This study has provided information that is useful for future longitudinal studies. These results, if confirmed by others, have the potential to impact clinical practice, research, and policy.