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Aggression, Tantrums, and Other Externally Driven Challenging Behaviors

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International Handbook of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders

Part of the book series: Autism and Child Psychopathology Series ((ACPS))

Abstract

By definition, individuals with autism have severe difficulties in reciprocal relationships, verbal and nonverbal communication, unusual repetitive behavior, and restricted interests (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). Furthermore, in about 75–80% of cases, autism is comorbid with intellectual disabilities (National Research Council, 2001). Epidemiological studies indicate that 10–15% of individuals with intellectual disabilities engage in problem behaviors, or what is currently termed “challenging behaviors” (Holden & Gitlesen, 2006; Lowe et al., 2007; Murphy et al., 2005). Challenging behaviors have been defined as “culturally abnormal behavior(s) of such intensity, frequency or duration that the physical safety of the person or others is likely to be placed in serious jeopardy, or behavior which is likely to seriously limit use of, or result in the person being denied access to, ordinary community facilities” (Emerson, 2001, p. 3). Aggression, tantrums, property destruction, disruptive behavior, and self-injury are examples of challenging behavior often displayed by individuals with autism and pervasive developmental disorders.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. American Health and Wellness Institute, Verona, VA, 24484, USA

    Nirbhay N. Singh & Judy Singh

  2. Department of Psychology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy

    Giulio E. Lancioni

  3. School of Psychology, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

    Alan S.W. Winton

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  1. Nirbhay N. Singh
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  2. Giulio E. Lancioni
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  3. Alan S.W. Winton
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  4. Judy Singh
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Correspondence to Nirbhay N. Singh .

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  1. Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, 70803, Louisiana, USA

    Johnny L. Matson

  2. City University of New York, Department of Psychology, Queens College, Flushing, 11367, New York, USA

    Peter Sturmey

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Singh, N.N., Lancioni, G.E., Winton, A.S., Singh, J. (2011). Aggression, Tantrums, and Other Externally Driven Challenging Behaviors. In: Matson, J., Sturmey, P. (eds) International Handbook of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders. Autism and Child Psychopathology Series. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-8065-6_26

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