The relationship between cognitive development and conduct problems in young children with autism spectrum disorder

• A relationship between cognitive ability and conduct problems has been suggested in individuals with ASD.
• Conduct problem behaviors were examined in infants and toddlers with ASD at varying levels of cognitive development.
• Significant differences in overall conduct problems and in specific types of conduct behaviors were found between cognitive groups.

Individuals with ASD often demonstrate elevated rates of challenging behaviors, such as tantrums, aggression, and property destruction. The current study examined the relationship between cognitive abilities and conduct problem behaviors in 263 children aged 18 to 39 months. Cognitive development was measured utilizing the cognitive developmental quotient (DQ) on the Battelle Developmental Inventory, Second Edition (BDI-2). Participants were separated into two groups: (1) low cognitive DQ group (cognitive DQ less than or equal to 70), and (2) typical cognitive DQ group (cognitive DQ greater than 70). Conduct problems were assessed using the Tantrum/Conduct Behavior subscale of the Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits, Part 2 (BISCUIT-Part 2). Higher rates of overall conduct problem behaviors were observed in young children with ASD and typical cognitive development relative to children with low cognitive development. Comparisons of specific conduct behaviors indicated cognitive ability may be associated with particular presentations of conduct problems. Implications are discussed.