Behavioral Alterations in Adolescents and Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder in a Hospitalization Unit: An Analysis of Self-Injury
, Antoni Grau-Touriño 3, Antonia Maria Gómez-Hinojosa 21 CSMIJ de Granollers, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, España
2 Facultat de Psicologia, Ciències de l’Educació i l’Esport Blanquerna, 08022 Barcelona, España
3 ITA Especialistas en Salud Mental, 28007 Madrid, España
Abstract
Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), may present with behavioral disturbances, difficulties dealing with change, restricted interests and/or sensory disturbances. Among their characteristic behaviors are self-injurious behaviors that tend to be compulsive, unplanned, rhythmic and repetitive. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between self-injurious behaviors in hospitalized adolescents with ASD, depression and anxiety.
The sample included 50 patients with ASD, aged between 14 and 27 years. These patients were assessed using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale (ADOS-2), the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), the Trait-State Anxiety Questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP) and the Inventory of Statements About Self-injury (ISAS).
The results revealed significant and positive correlations between the level of self-injury and its dimensions: self-regulation (ρ = 0.861), sensation seeking and strength (ρ = 0.767), suicide avoidance (ρ = 0.732), revenge (ρ = 0.643), self-control (ρ = 0.700), manifestation of distress (ρ = 0.828) and blunting (ρ = 0.702).
There is evidence of a positive relationship between levels of self-harm and sensory defensiveness, specifically in the emotion avoidance profile.
Keywords
- self-harm
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- anxiety
- depression
- sensory defensiveness
References
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