Associations Between Symptoms of Autism and Emotional and Behavioral Problems in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

This study investigated the associations between autism symptoms and emotional and behavioral problems (EBPs) in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), considering both caregiver and clinician perspectives. Similar association patterns were found in preschool and school-aged children. However, caregivers and professionals reported different associations: professionals linked only repetitive behaviors to behavioral problems, while caregivers linked all autism symptoms to EBPs. Different autism symptoms were associated with different EBPs. For example, professionals linked restricted and repetitive behaviors to hyperactivity and inattention, while caregivers linked social emotion to emotional symptoms and other symptoms to hyperactivity, inattention, and peer problems. These findings enhance understanding of the relationship between autism symptoms and EBPs, informing intervention planning.

Ching-Hong Tsai, Kuan-Lin Chen, Hsing-Jung Li, Kuan-Hsu Chen, Chao-Wei Hsu, Chun-Hsiung Lu, Kuan-Ying Hsieh, Chien-Yu Huang