Hair Cortisol and Self-Injurious Behavior Among Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract Elevated salivary cortisol levels have been documented in individuals who engage in self-injurious behavior (SIB), indicating acute physiological stress. Less is known about the chronicity of stress and SIB. We analyzed the relationship between parent ratings of problem behavior and hair cortisol concentrations (an index of chronic adrenocortical activity) in 23 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Parent ratings of problem behavior were not significantly correlated with hair cortisol concentrations. When children were categorized into groups based on the frequency and severity of SIB, participants with the greatest frequency and severity of SIB had higher hair cortisol concentrations compared to children without SIB. Frequent and severe SIB may be associated with altered hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity in children with ASD.

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Context-Based Assessment and Intervention for Problem Behavior in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Behavior Modification ◽

10.1177/0145445509340775 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 33 (6) ◽

pp. 707-742 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Sanja I. Cale ◽

Edward G. Carr ◽

Audrey Blakeley-Smith ◽

Jamie S. Owen-DeSchryver

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Problem Behavior ◽

Children With Autism ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder

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Receptive Language in Primary-School-Aged Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Clinical Psychology and Special Education ◽

10.17759/cpse.2021100407 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 137-161

Author(s):

D.S. Pereverzeva ◽

U.A. Mamokhina ◽

E.Yu. Davydova ◽

A.A. Lopukhina ◽

V.G. Arutiunian ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Autistic Traits ◽

Children With Autism ◽

Receptive Language ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Verbal Intelligence ◽

School Aged Children ◽

Autistic Disorders ◽

The Relationship

The objective of the present study is to investigate the relationship between the receptive language, and the index of non-verbal intelligence and the level of severity of autistic disorders in primary-school-aged children with Autism spectrum disorder. One of the main areas influenced by autistic disorders is communication. Therefore, the study of the language abilities of such children and factors that affect them provides a better approach to the therapy and education. The sample included 50 children aged 7–11 years diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. Children were tested using the KORABLIK method (basic linguistic skills), the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (KABC-II) or the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children ― Third Edition (WISC-III) (non-verbal intelligence), the Autism Diagnosis Observation Schedule ― Second Edition (ADOS-II) (autistic traits). The results support the hypothesis of the relationship between receptive language skills, the index of non-verbal intelligence, and symptoms of autism. The severity of autistic traits is negatively associated with some phonological and lexical levels of the receptive speech, as well as with understanding of discourse. The non-verbal intelligence index is positively associated with speech comprehension at all levels. A specific feature of receptive language in children with Autism spectrum disorder aged 7–11 years is the uneven development, which is associated with the severity of autistic traits and is not associated with the intelligence level.

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