Treatment of Challenging Behaviour in Children and Youth With an Intellectual Disability With or Without Autism

BACKGROUND: Children and youth with an intellectual disability and/or autism exhibit challenging behaviour at significantly higher rates than their peers. The present study explored the treatment modalities accessed to address challenging behaviour among this population as well as predictors of treatment access. METHOD: A sample of 372 caregivers completed the GO4KIDDS survey about their children aged 4 to 20 years (M = 11.37; SD = 3.81). RESULTS: Results revealed that informal behavioural/teaching strategies were the most utilised approach to address challenging behaviour, whereas formal behavioural programs were least utilised. Age, adaptive functioning and diagnosis were significant predictors for taking medication for self-injurious behaviours. For aggressive and/or destructive behaviours, age was also a significant predictor for taking medication. A diagnosis of autism predicted receiving formal behavioural programs for both challenging behaviours. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the need for tailored and evidence-based interventions to address the unique challenges faced by this population.