Work

Adaptive Behavior and Bullying Experiences in Spanish-Speaking Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare adaptive and maladaptive behaviors of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1 (ASD-L1) and their experiences of bullying in comparison to a matched control group. Additionally, we explored which of such behaviors predicted both victimization and aggression in both samples. METHODS: The sample consisted of 96 children and adolescents, 48 with ASD-L1 (31 Colombians and 17 Spanish) and 48 controls (31 Colombians and 17 Spanish), matched by age, gender, and socioeconomic status. Adaptive and maladaptive behaviors, as well as bullying experiences, were assessed. RESULTS: Children with ASD-L1 reported higher levels of clinical and school maladjustment and lower levels of personal adjustment compared to the control group. Although no significant differences were found in bullying victimization, the ASD-L1 group showed higher aggression scores. In this group, lower personal adjustment predicted victimization, whereas higher clinical maladjustment predicted aggression. In contrast, in the control group, aggression was predicted by school maladjustment. CONCLUSIONS: Aggressive behavior in children with ASD-L1 was linked to higher levels of clinical maladjustment, while better personal adjustment served as a protective factor against bullying victimization. These findings emphasize distinct socio-emotional mechanisms underlying bullying involvement in autistic and typically developing youth.

Source: Children

DOI: 10.3390/children12121707

Authors: Alberto Sánchez-Pedroche, Daniel Adrover-Roig, Mario Valera-Pozo, María Fernanda Lara Díaz, Eva Aguilar-Mediavilla

Institutions: Institut de Recerca i Innovació Educativa, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Universidad Nacional de Colombia

Language: English

Topic: Bullying, Victimization, and Aggression

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896