Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

History of Maltreatment is not Associated with Symptom Profiles of Children with Autism

  • ORIGINAL ARTICLE
  • Published:
Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Some authors hypothesize that autism in children from orphanages results from neglect, which has been referred to as “quasi-autistic pattern” and “post-institutional autistic syndrome.” However, studies of children who have been neglected show even higher rates of ADHD, oppositional defiant and conduct disorders, anxiety, and depression than rates of autism. Our study determined if autism symptoms differed between children with autism who were and were not maltreated and if duration of and number of years since removal from neglect were related to symptoms in 789 children with autism, 2–17 years of age. Mean scores on a 30-item autism diagnostic symptom checklist (Checklist for Autism Spectrum Disorder, CASD) did not differ between the 700 children with autism who were not maltreated (21.6), the 80 children with autism who were neglected (21.5) and the 89 with autism who experienced neglect and/or physical or sexual abuse (21.1). These scores were similar to the mean of 21.7 for the 1052 children in the CASD autism normative sample. Correlations between CASD scores and duration of neglect and number of years since removal from neglect were close to zero. Findings suggest that symptoms of autism are likely independent of maltreatment. This has important implications for treatment. Autism in maltreated children should not be considered as “quasi-autism” or possibly temporary because these children may then be denied evidence-based intervention that can improve outcomes in children with autism.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Birnbrauer, J. S., & Leach, D. J. (1993). The Murdoch early intervention program after 2 years. Behaviour Change, 10, 63–74.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bixler, E. O., Vgontzas, A. N., Lin, H-M., Calhoun, S., Vela-Bueno, A., Fedok.F., et al. (2009). Sleep disordered breathing in children in a general population sample:Prevalence and risk factors. Sleep, 32, 731–736.

  • Caspi, A., Langley, K., Milne, B., Moffitt, T. E., O’Donovan, M., Owen, M. J., et al. (2008). A replicated molecular genetic basis for subtyping antisocial behavior in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Archives of General Psychiatry, 65, 203–210.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Centers for Disease Control. (2012). Prevalence of autism spectrum disorders-autism and developmental disabilities monitoring network, United States, 2008. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 61, 1–22.

  • Centers for Disease Control. (2013). Mental health surveillance among children. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 62, 1–35.

    Google Scholar 

  • Church, C. C., & Coplan, J. (1995). The high-functioning autistic experience: Birth to preteen years. Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 9, 22–29.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cohen, J. A., & Mannarino, A. P. (2008). Trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy for children and parents. Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 13, 158–162.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cohen, J. A., Mannarino, A. P., Berliner, L., & Deblinger, E. (2000). Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy for children and adolescents: An empirical update. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 15, 1202–1223.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Conrad, A. L., Richman, L., Lindgren, S., & Nopoulos, P. (2010). Biological and environmental predictors of behavioral sequelae in children born preterm. Pediatrics, 125, e83–e89.

  • Dawson, G., Rogers, S., Munson, J., Smith, M., Winter, J., Greenson, J., et al. (2010). Randomized, controlled trial of an intervention for toddlers with autism: The early start Denver model. Pediatrics, 125, 17–23.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • de Arellano, M. A. R., Lyman, D. R., Jobe-Shields, L., George, P., Dougherty, R. H., Daniels, A. S., Ghose, S. S., Huang, L., & Delphin-Rittmon, M. E. (2014). Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy for children and adolescents: Assessing the evidence. Psychiatric Services, 65, 591–602.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Eapen, V. (2011). Genetic basis of autism: Is there a way forward? Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 24, 226–236.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Eikeseth, S., Smith, T., Jahr, E., & Eldevik, S. (2002). Intensive behavioral treatment at school for 4- to 7-year-old children with autism. Behavior Modification, 26, 49–68.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Esbensen, A. J., Seltzer, M. M., Lam, K. S. L., & Bodfish, J. W. (2009). Age-related differences in restricted repetitive behaviors in autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disabilities, 39, 57–66.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Green, J., Leadbitter, K., Kay, C., & Sharma, K. (2016). Autism spectrum disorder in children adopted after early care breakdown. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46, 1392–1402.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Heejeong, Y. (2015). Genetics of autism spectrum disorder: Current status and possible clinical applications. Experimental Neurobiology, 24, 257–272.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hettema, J. M., Neale, M. C., & Kendler, K. S. (2001). A review and meta-analysis of the genetic epidemiology of anxiety disorders. American Journal of Psychiatry, 158, 1568–158, 1578.

  • Hoksbergen, R., Laak, J., Rijk, K., Dijkum, C., & Stoutjesdijk, F. (2005). Post-institutional autistic syndrome in Romanian adoptees. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 35, 615–623.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hoover, D. W., & Kaufman, J. (2018). Adverse childhood experiences in children with autism spectrum disorder. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 31, 128–132.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Howard, J. S., Sparkman, C. R., Cohen, H. G., Green, G., & Stanislaw, H. (2005). A comparison of intensive behavior analytic and eclectic treatments for young children with autism. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 26, 359–383.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hynd, G. W., Hern, K. L., Voeller, K. K., & Marshall, R. M. (1991). Neurobiological basis of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). School Psychology Review, 20, 174–186.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lanier, P., Kohl, P., Benz, J., Swinger, D., & Drake, B. (2014). Preventing maltreatment with a community-based implementation of parent-child interaction therapy. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 23, 449–460.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lehmann, S., Havik, O. E., Havik, T., & Helervang, E. R. (2013). Mental disorders in foster children: A study of prevalence, comorbidity and risk factors. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, 7, 1–7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lindgren, S. D., & Koeppl, G. K. (1987). Assessing child behavior problems in a medical setting: Development of the Pediatric Behavior Scale. In R. J. Prinz (Ed.), Advances in behavioral assessment of children and families (pp. 57–90). Greenwich, CT: JAI.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lovaas, O. I. (1987). Behavioral treatment and normal educational and intellectual functioning in young autistic children. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 55, 3–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Maclean, M. J., Sims, S., Bower, C., Leonard, H., Stanley, F. J., & O’Donnell, M. (2017). Maltreatment risk among children with disabilities. Pediatrics, 139, e20161817.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mattison, R. E., & Mayes, S. D. (2012). Relationship between learning disability, executive function, and psychopathology in children with ADHD. Journal of Attention Disorders, 16, 138–146.

  • Mayes, S. D. (2012). Checklist for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Wood Dale, IL: Stoelting.

  • Mayes, S. D. (2018). Checklist for Autism Spectrum Disorder: Most discriminating items for diagnosing autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 48, 935–939.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mayes, S. D. (in press). Assessing autism in toddlers and preschool children using the Checklist for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Infants and Young Children.

  • Mayes, S. D., & Calhoun, S. L. (1999). Symptoms of autism in young children and correspondence with the DSM. Infants and Young Children, 12, 90–97.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mayes, S. D., & Calhoun, S. L. (2004). Influence of IQ and age in childhood autism: Lack of support for DSM-IV Asperger’s disorder. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 16, 257–272.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mayes, S. D., & Calhoun, S. L. (2011). Impact of IQ, age, SES, gender, and race on autistic symptoms. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 5, 749–757.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mayes, S. D., & Lockridge, R. (2018). How accurate is teacher report of autism symptoms compared to parent report? Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 48, 1833–1840.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mayes, S. D., Calhoun, S. L., Murray, M. J., Morrow, J. D., Yurich, K. K. L., Mahr, F., et al. (2009). Comparison of scores on the Checklist for Autism Spectrum Disorder, Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), and Gilliam Asperger’s Disorder Scale (GADS) for children with low functioning autism, high functioning autism or Asperger’s disorder, ADHD, and typical development. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 39, 1682–1693.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mayes, S. D., Calhoun, S. L., Mayes, R. D., & Molitoris, S. (2012). Autism and ADHD: Overlapping and discriminating symptoms. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 6, 277–285.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mayes, S. D., Gordon. M., Calhoun, S. L., & Bixler, E. O. (2014). Long-term temporal stability of measured inattention and impulsivity in typical and referred children. Journal of Attention Disorder, 18, 23–30.

  • Mayes, S. D., Waschbusch, D. A., Calhoun, S. L., Breaux, R. P., & Baweja, R. (2017a). Reactive attachment/disinhibited social engagement disorders: Callous-unemotional traits and comorbidity. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 63, 28–37.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mayes, S. D., Calhoun, S. L., Waschbusch, D., & Baweja, R. (2017b). Autism and reactive attachment/disinhibited social engagement disorders: Co-occurrence and differentiation. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 22, 620–631.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mayes, S. D., Breaux, R. P., Calhoun, S. L., & Frye, S. S. (2017c). High prevalence of dysgraphia in elementary through high school students with ADHD and autism. Journal of Attention Disorders, 108705471772072. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054717720721.

  • McDonald, J. L., Milne, S., Knight, J., & Webster, V. (2013). Developmental and behavioural characteristics of children enrolled in a child protection pre-school. Journal of Pediatrics and Child Health, 49, E142–E146.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McEachin, J. J., Smith, T., & Lovaas, O. I. (1993). Long-term outcome for children with autism who have received early intensive behavioral intervention. American Journal on Mental Retardation, 97, 359–372.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McGovern, C. W., & Sigman, M. (2005). Continuity and change from early childhood to adolescence in autism. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 46, 401–408.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Murray, M. J., Mayes, S. D., & Smith, L. A. (2011). Excellent agreement between two brief autism scales (Checklist for Autism Spectrum Disorder and Social Responsiveness Scale) completed independently by parents and the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 41, 1586–1590.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nemeroff, C. B., & Vale, W. W. (2005). The neurobiology of depression: Inroads to treatment and new drug discovery. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 66(Suppl. 7), 5–13.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nichols, S., Mahoney, E. M., Sirois, P. A., Bordeaux, J. D., Stehbens, J. A., Loveland, K. A., et al. (2000). HIV-associated changes in adaptive, emotional, and behavioral functioning in children and adolescents with hemophilia: Results from the Hemophilia Growth and Development Study. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 25, 545–556.

  • Norman, R. E., Byambaa, M., De, R., Butchart, A., Scott, J., & Vos, T. (2012). The long-term health consequences of child physical abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Medicine, 9, 1–31.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Oswald, S. H., Heil, K., & Goldbeck, L. (2010). History of maltreatment and mental health problems in foster children: A review of the literature. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 35, 462–472.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rutter, M., Anderson-Wood, L., Beckett, C., Brendenkamp, D., Castle, J., Grootheus, C., et al. (1999). Quasi-autistic patterns following severe early global privation. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 40, 537–549.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schopler, E., Reichler, R. J., & Renner, B. R. (1986). The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). Los Angeles: Western Psychological Services.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schopler, E., Van Bourgondien, M. E., Wellman, G. J., & Love, S. R. (2010). Childhood Autism Rating Scale, 2nd ed. Los Angeles: Western Psychological Services.

  • Sheinkopf, S. J., & Siegel, B. (1998). Home-based behavioral treatment of young children with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 28, 15–23.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Smith, T., Groen, A. D., & Wynn, J. W. (2000). Randomized trial of intensive early intervention for children with pervasive developmental disorder. American Journal on Mental Retardation, 105, 269–285.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Thomas, R., & Zimmer-Gembeck, M. (2012). Parent-child interaction therapy: An evidence-based treatment for child maltreatment. Child Maltreatment, 17, 253–266.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tierney, C., Mayes, S. D., Lohs, S. R., Black, A., Gisin, E., & Veglia, M. (2015). How valid is the Checklist for Autism Spectrum Disorder when a child has apraxia of speech? Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, 36, 569–574.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Timmer, S. G., Urquiza, A. J., & Zebell, N. (2006). Challenging foster caregiver-maltreated child relationships: The effectiveness of parent-child interaction therapy. Children and Youth Services Review, 28, 1–19.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tuvblad, C., Zheng, M., Raine, A., & Baker, L. A. (2009). A common genetic factor explains the covariation among ADHD ODD and CD symptoms in 9-10 year old boys and girls. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 37, 153–167.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Wolraich, M. L., Lindgren, S. D., Stumbo, P. J., Stegink, L. D., Appelbaum, M. I., & Kiritsy, M. C. (1994). Effects of diets high in sucrose or aspartame on the behavior and cognitive performance of children. New England Journal of Medicine, 330, 301–307.

  • Zickgraf, H., & Mayes, S. D. (2018). Correlates of atypical eating behaviors in children with autism. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-018-9645-6.

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Penn State College of Medicine, H073, 500 University Dr, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA

    Susan Dickerson Mayes, Rosanna P. Breaux, Susan L. Calhoun & Kristen Whitmore

Authors
  1. Susan Dickerson Mayes
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Rosanna P. Breaux
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Susan L. Calhoun
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Kristen Whitmore
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Susan Dickerson Mayes.

Ethics declarations

Funding

None.

Ethical Approval

All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.

Informed Consent

Informed consent was waived by the Institutional Review Board because analyses were conducted retrospectively on existing clinical data.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare they have no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Mayes, S.D., Breaux, R.P., Calhoun, S.L. et al. History of Maltreatment is not Associated with Symptom Profiles of Children with Autism. J Dev Phys Disabil 31, 623–633 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-019-09661-9

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-019-09661-9

Keywords

Search

Navigation