Communication Struggles May Explain Aggression in Some Boys with Autism

Difficulties with communication predict aggression in boys with autism, to a new study. But in autistic girls, communication and aggression may not be related. If substantiated, the result could help boys dealing with aggressive behavior obtain the support they need, says study investigator Emily Neuhaus, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Washington in Seattle. “It could be a cue to providers, or [educators], or parents to really think carefully about what is behind [challenging] behavior,” Neuhaus says. One-third to two-thirds of school-age autistic children exhibit aggression, which captures verbal behaviors, such as insults and threats, and physical behaviors, such as property damage and attempted injury of others. But the factors that contribute to these behaviors in autistic people are not well understood. Read More