An examination of challenging behaviors in autistic disorder versus pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified: Significant differences and gender effects

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are well-known for engagement in challenging behaviors. Unfortunately, due to its absence as a criterion for diagnosis in the DSM-IV-TR, little attention has been paid to the endorsement rates of such behaviors. However, a recently developed measure to assist in the diagnosis of infants and toddlers with autism and PDD-NOS – the Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits (BISCUIT) – has included a section designated for just this reason. This study used the BISCUIT to assess for significant differences in the endorsement rates of challenging behaviors between infants and toddlers with autism versus PDD-NOS as well as for significant differences between genders. There were significant differences between the diagnostic groups in endorsement rates of challenging behaviors as a whole, as well as among many specific behavior items. No significant differences between genders in endorsement rates of challenging behaviors were found. The implications of these findings are discussed.

► Early assessment of autism is very important.
► Challenging behaviors occur at high rates and should be assessed for toddlers and infants with autism.
► The more severe the symptoms of autism assessed with the BISCUIT, the more severe the challenging behaviors.