Hyperactive/impulsive symptoms and autistic trait in institutionalized children with maltreatment experience. Issue 178 (9th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Imai, Junko; Sasayama, Daimei; Kuge, Rie; Honda, Hideo; Washizuka, Shinsuke
• Editors: Barbot, Baptiste
• Is Part Of: New directions for child and adolescent development. Issue 178(2021)
• Page Start: 29
• Page End: 39
• Publication Date: 2021-12-09
• Subjects: attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder -- autism spectrum disorder -- child maltreatment -- institutionalized children -- neurodevelopmental disorders; Child psychology -- Periodicals; Child development -- Periodicals; Youth -- Psychology -- Periodicals; 305.231
• DOI: 10.1002/cad.20445
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1520-3247

Abstract

Abstract: The present study examined how maltreatment experience was associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in children under institutional care. The key caregivers of children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years who were under institutional care in Nagano prefecture, Japan were asked to answer the background questionnaire, ADHD‐Rating Scale, and the Japanese children's version of the Autism‐Spectrum Quotient. A total of 378 valid responses were obtained, of which 222 reported maltreatment experience prior to institutionalization. Both hyperactive/impulsive and inattentive scores were significantly higher in the maltreated group. Maltreatment experience was significantly associated with the presence of hyperactive/impulsive symptoms ( p = 0.003) and inattentive symptoms ( p = 0.027). Particularly, those who had experienced physical abuse were significantly more likely to have hyperactive/impulsive symptoms ( p = 0.012) and autistic trait ( p = 0.002). Thorough assessment of neurodevelopmental symptoms should be performed when placing children with maltreatment experience into institutional care.