Progression of challenging behaviors in children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders as measured by the Autism Spectrum Disorders-Problem Behaviors for Children (ASD-PBC)

This study examined the effect of age on challenging behaviors among 167 children, ages 3–14 years, with Autistic Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified, or Asperger's syndrome. Results of a MANOVA indicated that there were no significant differences between young children, children, and young adolescents on any of the 18 items comprising the Autism Spectrum Disorder-Problem Behavior for Children (ASD-PBC). A curve estimation further supported that challenging behaviors were chronic among children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders.