# Preliminary Data on Behavioral Profiles of Youth with Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Trauma

## TL;DR

This study explores the behavioral patterns and treatment outcomes of youth with neurodevelopmental disorders and trauma.

## Contribution

The study provides preliminary data on behavioral profiles and treatment effectiveness for youth with NDDs and trauma.

## Key findings

- Common behaviors included negative vocalizations (95%), property destruction (62%), elopement (52%), and aggression (43%).
- Behavior analytic treatments reduced target behaviors by an average of 72%.
- Escape was the most prevalent behavior function identified (43%).

## Abstract

Youth with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) face an increased risk of trauma compared to their peers without NDDs, often leading to challenging behaviors such as self-injury, aggression, and property destruction. However, limited research exists on the behavioral profiles and treatment outcomes of youth with both NDDs and trauma. This study examines a sample of 21 youth with NDDs and trauma admitted to a specialized psychiatric unit in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States. A retrospective review of health records and admission data identified the most common target behaviors: negative vocalizations (95%), property destruction (62%), elopement (52%), and aggression (43%). Functional analyses indicated that escape was the most prevalent behavior function identified (43%), while 29% of the analyses yielded undifferentiated outcomes. Behavior analytic treatment packages incorporating differential reinforcement resulted in an average of 72% reduction from the baseline target behaviors. The average Pediatric ACEs score was 5 out of 10. The findings highlight the key behavioral patterns in this population and underscore the need for further research on effective interventions.