Aggression in children and adolescents with ASD: prevalence and risk factors.

The team asked parents about aggression in their kids with autism. They wanted to know how many children hit, kicked, or bit others and what might raise the odds.

The survey covered youth of all ages and ability levels. Parents also answered questions about social skills, repetitive actions, and family life.

Two out of three youth with autism had shown aggression toward a caregiver. Younger kids, higher family income, more social struggles, and more repetitive behaviors each added risk.

The study did not test an intervention. It simply mapped how common and how predictable aggression can be.

Aller et al. (2023) extends these numbers by tracking the same kids over time. They show physical aggression is highest before age six and then drops, while verbal jabs stay above typical levels through teen years.

Robertson et al. (2013) zooms in on high-functioning youth and finds a curve: both very low and very high social fears predict more aggression. This adds social anxiety to the risk list Amore et al. (2011) started.

Cappadocia et al. (2012) and Meier et al. (2012) use the same parent-survey tool but look at bullying and genetic attitudes. Together they paint a picture: parents already see the problem and want solutions.

You now have a quick screen: if the child is young, has clear social gaps, and repeats odd rituals, plan for possible aggression. Add a social-anxiety probe for higher-functioning clients. Start early physical-skill replacement before age six and keep teaching polite words through adolescence.