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Psychology and Law
2021. Vol. 11, no. 3, 124–130
https://doi.org/10.17759/psylaw.2021110309
ISSN: 2222-5196 (online)

The Problem of Physical Aggression in Adults Diagnosed with Autism in Childhood

 
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Abstract

In this study, 64 adults originally (in their childhood) diagnosed with autism were examined for hetero-aggression and its character. Physical hetero-aggression was present in roughly one third of the subjects and, at the same time, it turned out to be dependent on the functional and psychopathological levels of the patients. Occurring only occasionally in high and middle functioning adults as part of a psychopathy-like syndrome, aggression was present in most low functioning patients with catatonic symptoms. These motives for aggressive actions have been revealed: gratifying one's aggressive-sadistic impulses, reaction to one's psychological discomfort, provoking a predictable response. In addition to psychological causes of aggression, the parabulia-related component of autistic adults' aggression is discussed together with the relationship between aggression and dysphoric episodes. Families with an aggressive autistic adult were under significant distress. Quite often the aggression led to injuries of the victims, but the families' need for rehabilitation and psychological counselling wasn't satisfied.

General Information

Keywords: physical aggression, autism, low functioning

Journal rubric: Forensic and Clinical Psychology in Legal Context

OpenAlex citations: 0

OpenAlex trends: Autism Spectrum Disorder Research, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders

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Number of citations: 0

Topics

Autism Spectrum Disorder Research

This cluster of papers encompasses a wide range of research on Autism Spectrum Disorders, including genetics, neurodevelopmental aspects, social skills interventions, brain connectivity, epidemiology, executive functioning, early intervention, emotion recognition, and neuroanatomy.

Number of works: 157201  |  Total number of citations: 3110342

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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

This cluster of papers focuses on the worldwide prevalence, neurobiology, treatment, executive function, and comorbidity of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It includes meta-analyses, genetic studies, brain imaging research, and discussions on the impact of ADHD on individuals across the lifespan.

Number of works: 128662  |  Total number of citations: 2067107

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Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders

This cluster of papers covers a wide range of topics related to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and its related conditions, including Tourette syndrome. The papers discuss the development and validation of assessment tools, various treatment approaches such as cognitive-behavior therapy and deep brain stimulation, neuroimaging studies, genetic associations, and the impact of OCD on neurocognitive functioning. Additionally, there is a focus on specific symptom dimensions, such as hoarding behavior, and the prevalence and epidemiology of these conditions.

Number of works: 52929  |  Total number of citations: 1045246

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Work details in OpenAlex

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17759/psylaw.2021110309

Published

For citation: Borodina, L.G. (2021). The Problem of Physical Aggression in Adults Diagnosed with Autism in Childhood. Psychology and Law, 11(3), 124–130. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.17759/psylaw.2021110309

© Borodina L.G., 2021

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

References

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  6. Hill A., Zuckerman K., Hagen A., et al. Aggressive behavior problems in children with autism spectrum disorders: prevalence and correlates in a large clinical sample. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 2014. Vol. 8, no. 9, pp. 1121—1133. doi:10.1016/j.rasd.2014.05.006
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Information About the Authors

Lyubov G. Borodina, Candidate of Science (Medicine), Associate Professor, Chair of Clinical and Forensic Psychology, Moscow State University of Psychology and Education, Moscow, Russian Federation, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3058-1569, e-mail: bor111a@yandex.ru

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