How is Challenging Behaviour Associated with Depression in Boys with an Autism Spectrum Disorder?

The association between aberrant behaviour and depression was examined in a sample of 150 young males with Autism Spectrum Disorder via parent ratings on the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) and the Major Depressive Disorder subscale of the Child and Adolescent Symptom Inventory (CASI-4-D). Although several subscales of the ABC were significantly correlated with CASI-4-D scores, only the Irritability subscale was a significant predictor of CASI-4-D, but with different patterns of association across younger (6-12 years) and older (13-18 years) participants. When examined at an individual ABC item level, adolescents' depression was primarily predicted the presence of temper tantrums that were associated with the introduction of variability or frustration at not getting his or her own way.