This study examined the relation between communication development and aberrant behavior in 13 preschool children with developmental disabilities. Communication skills and the severity of 58 aberrant behaviors were assessed every 6 months over a 3-year period. There was a strong inverse relation between communication ability and severity of aberrant behavior. Deficits in receptive language, in comparison to expressive language skills, were more strongly associated with severe aberrant behavior. The inverse relation was most pronounced for Hyperactivity and Lethargy in comparison to Stereotypy and Irritability. These findings suggest that delayed or impaired communication development may contribute to the emergence of aberrant behavior in young children with developmental disabilities. Early introduction of receptive and expressive communication intervention may preempt severe behavior problems in children with developmental disabilities.
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