Davies LE, Oliver C. Self-injury, aggression and destruction in children with severe intellectual disability: Incidence, persistence and novel, predictive behavioural risk markers.
RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2016;
49-50:291-301. [PMID:
26765248 DOI:
10.1016/j.ridd.2015.12.003]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2015] [Revised: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
A risk informed, early intervention strategy for self-injurious, aggressive and destructive behaviours in children with severe intellectual disability is gaining support. The aims of this study were to establish the cumulative incidence and persistence of self-injury, aggression and destruction and the relationship between these behaviours and two potentially predictive behavioural risk markers (repetitive behaviour, and impulsivity and overactivity) in children at high risk.
METHODS
In a longitudinal design self-injury, aggression and destruction were assessed by teachers of 417 children with severe intellectual disability on two occasions separated by 15-18 months.
RESULTS
Aggression, destruction and self-injury were persistent (69%, 57% and 58% respectively). Repetitive and restricted behaviours and interests (RRBI) and overactivity/impulsivity (O/I) were significantly associated with aggression (O/I OR=1.291, p<.001), destruction (RRBI OR 1.201, p=.013; O/I OR 1.278, p<.001) and/or self-injury (RRBI, OR 1.25, p=.004; O/I OR=1.117, p<.001). The relative risk of the cumulative incidence of self-injury, aggression and destruction was significantly increased by repetitive and restricted behaviours and interests (self-injury 2.66, destruction 2.16) and/or overactivity/impulsivity (aggression 2.42, destruction 2.07).
CONCLUSIONS
The results provide evidence that repetitive and restricted behaviours and interests, and overactivity/impulsivity, are risk markers for the onset of self-injury, aggression and destruction within the already high risk group of children with severe intellectual disability.
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