Relationships between challenging behavior and gastrointestinal symptoms, sleep problems, and internalizing and externalizing symptoms in children and adolescents with Angelman syndrome

About this research

Using information from 98 children and adolescents with Angelman syndrome, this study explored relationships between challenging behaviour, gastrointestinal symptoms, sleep problems and emotional and behavioural symptoms.

Gastrointestinal symptoms, sleep problems and challenging behaviours were very common within the study group. Self-injurious behaviour, aggressive or destructive behaviour and stereotyped behaviours were associated with gastrointestinal symptoms and sleep problems.

The findings highlight the importance of considering health, sleep and behaviour together when trying to better understand challenging behaviour in Angelman syndrome.

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The full paper is open access and available through Research in Developmental Disabilities.