HomeAbstract of 10th-icmetlPrevalence of Certain Behavioural Problems in Children and Adolescents with Intellectual and Co-Occurring Disabilities – Results of the “POINT” Project

Prevalence of Certain Behavioural Problems in Children and Adolescents with Intellectual and Co-Occurring Disabilities – Results of the “POINT” Project

  • Jun 3, 2026
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Abstract Book of the 10th International Conference on Modern Research in Education, Teaching and Learning

Year: 2026

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Prevalence of Certain Behavioural Problems in Children and Adolescents with Intellectual and Co-Occurring Disabilities – Results of the "POINT" Project

Dr. Mirjana Radetić-Paić, Vanja Marković

ABSTRACT:

Behavioural problems in children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities refer to forms of behaviour that are perceived as conspicuous, disruptive, or socially unacceptable, and that hinder or prevent social participation. Despite their high prevalence, structured and comprehensive support strategies remain insufficiently developed. This two-year project, led by the Faculty of Educational Sciences of the Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Croatia, (FOOZ-IP-2024-02) was initiated in response to the need for broader social engagement in reducing behavioural problems among pupils with intellectual and co-occurring disabilities. The project began in 2024 and the scientific goals, among others, were to gain scientific insight into the frequency of behavioural problems in pupils with intellectual disabilities, correlations between them, and the development of guidelines for support strategies aiming at reducing the frequency or even eliminating those behavioural problems. The guidelines are intended for teachers, professional associates, educators and parents. A total of 127 children and adolescents participated in the study. The results showed that slightly less than 1/3 of pupils exhibit stereotypical behaviour, slightly more than ¼ of them do not control their own emotions and have inappropriate speech habits, while about 1/5 of them walk and hold their bodies in an unusual manner, react inappropriately to frustrations and seek constant or excessive attention or praise. Based on these results, guidelines were developed in three areas: preventive interventions, strategies for supporting behaviour in school and home contexts, and approaches for managing the consequences of challenging behaviour.

Keywords: Behavioural Problems, Children and Youth with Intellectual and Co-Occurring Disabilities, Guidelines for Support Strategies, Preventive Strategies