Medical, Psychological, and Social Determinants of Behavioural Problems in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Empirical Analysis

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition influenced by an interplay of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. This study examines the role of medical, psychological, and social determinants in shaping behavioural problems in children with ASD. Data were collected from children diagnosed with ASD, using standardized diagnostic tools including the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT-R), the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), and structured caregiver questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, one-way ANOVA, correlation analyses, and Tukey’s HSD post-hoc tests were employed to assess the relationships between demographic, medical, and psychosocial variables and behavioural outcomes. Findings indicated significant associations between prenatal medical complications (gestational age, pregnancy-related conditions, and maternal illness) and the severity of behavioural problems. Psychological factors, particularly parental mental health, stress, and trauma histories, strongly correlated with repetitive behaviours, emotional dysregulation, and social withdrawal. Social determinants, including family type, number of siblings, income level, and parental education, moderated the impact of ASD on behavioural challenges, with children from nuclear families and lower-income groups showing heightened vulnerability. Gender and caretaker variations also played a role, as female caregivers with higher education demonstrated protective effects on behavioural outcomes. The study underscores the necessity of adopting a biopsychosocial model in both research and intervention, emphasizing integrated medical, psychological, and social support systems. These findings have critical implications for the design of early screening protocols, family-centered interventions, and policy frameworks that address the multifactorial nature of ASD