Mental health concerns in children with neurodevelopmental conditions attending a developmental assessment service

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.04.098
• Publication Date: 2023-04-28T07:21:10Z
• Authors: Kelsie A. Boulton; Adam J. Guastella; Marie-Antoinette ...; Eleni A. Demetriou; Natalie Ong; Natalie Silove
• Keywords: CBCL; Child Behavior Checklist; Subclinical infection

Children with neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs), such as autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), frequently experience co-occurring mental health concerns. Little research has examined symptoms in children attending developmental assessment services. This study profiled NDCs a hospital-based diagnostic service for their first assessment. Participants were 232 aged 1.96-17.51 years. Mental concerns assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), caregiver-rated, questionnaire-based of behavioural emotional difficulties. Subclinical or clinically elevated internalising, externalising total scores on CBCL reported approximately 48% preschool 61% school-age children. These increased prevalence rates, same cutoff scores, remained after excluding items specifically relating to (36% preschool; 37% children). More school-aged females internalising problems, relative males (67 % vs 48 %). The number diagnoses impacted symptoms, who received two more DSM-5 showing greater rate subclinical one diagnosis. Our findings demonstrate that services have considerable needs. It is critical are identified addressed when they present services, providers equipped provide appropriate resources pathways ongoing care.