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Prevalence and Risk-Markers of Self-Harm in Autistic Children and Adults
- Source :
-
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders . Oct 2020 50(10):3561-3574. - Publication Year :
- 2020
-
Abstract
- Self-harm is purportedly common in autistic individuals, but under-researched, particularly in younger samples and those "without" intellectual disability. This study aimed to describe prevalence, profile and correlates of self-harm in autistic individuals without impairments in adaptive functioning. Parents of autistic participants (n = 83) completed questionnaires regarding the presence/topography of self-harm, demographic characteristics, autism severity, age of diagnosis, affect, activity levels and repetitive behaviour. 24.10% of participants engaged in self-harm. Self-harm was associated with significantly higher levels of impulsivity, over-activity, negative affect, compulsive behaviour and insistence on sameness. Low mood and overactivity/impulsivity predicted the presence of self-harm, with the model correctly classifying 82.9% of cases. Findings highlight a role for impaired behavioural inhibition and low mood in the aetiological mechanisms underpinning self-harm in autism.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0162-3257
- Volume :
- 50
- Issue :
- 10
- Database :
- ERIC
- Journal :
- Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- EJ1269119
- Document Type :
- Journal Articles<br />Reports - Research
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-04260-1