Extents of abuse and behavioural disorders in autistic children who were abused and who were not abused

This study aimed at identifying the extents of abuse of autistic children and some behavioural disorders in who were abused and who were not abused from parents and teachers’ perspective. To achieve the study’s objectives, the researcher adopted a descriptive research method and used a survey as a tool for the task. The sample consisted of 200 autistic children. The study found a positive relationship between the extents of abuse (physical, emotional, neglect and sexual) and the degrees of behavioural disorders (self-harm, aggression, anxiety and depression) in children with autism who were abused. Autistic children who were abused suffered more from these behavioural disorders. The study recommends an increase in interest in children with autism within the family and community levels by planning and implementing programmes that can help them to adapt socially to the environment, which keeps them away from the exposure to abuse.