The relationship of social skills and problem behaviors in adults with intellectual disability and autism or PDD-NOS

The relationship between social deficits and challenging behaviors were studied in adults with severe intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). These issues are of paramount importance because they are core features for persons with these disabilities, and markedly effect normal adjustment and community integration. To date, little has been done to explore the interrelationship between social skills and challenging behaviors in ASD adults with severe ID. Participants were 257 adults with severe ID and/or ASD. Comorbid ID and ASD resulted in the greatest deficits compared to ID alone. Furthermore, the presence of negative behaviors, as opposed to the absence of positive behaviors, was more predictive of stereotypies, property destruction, and aggression. The implication of these data is discussed.