Behavioural Impairment and Associated Medical Conditions in Children with Intellectual Disability

Abstract

Children with intellectual disabilities frequently experience behavioural disorders, irrespective of the underlying cause. They are often disabling, causing problems in daily life, and can conceal or reveal an organic or psychiatric illness. Such behaviours are frequently chronic, and more than one may exist in the same person. This is complicated further by the fact that parents often do not seek help for the problem, possibly because they believe it is caused by the child’s disability and cannot be treated. Previous psychiatric hospitalisation, comorbid physical disabilities, loneliness, sadness, depression, or anxiety are all identified as risk factors. This research paper provides a general concept of common behaviours that cause problems for children and youth with intellectual disabilities, including sleep disturbances, agitated and aggressive behaviour, and self-injurious behaviour. In general, while pharmacological treatment is possible, behavioural intervention is a more effective and better tolerated form of treatment.