Aggression and Risk Behaviors in a Group of Adolescents with High-Functioning Autism

Adolescents with high-functioning autism exhibit a distinct profile of emotional dysregulation, characterized by increased verbal anger and frustration sensitivity, despite lower levels of overt aggression. This comparative pilot study contributes to a better understanding of emotional dysregulation and anger expression in adolescents with HFA. These findings highlight the need for tailored emotion regulation interventions. School-based programs focused on emotional awareness and verbal anger management could offer meaningful benefits for this population. Future research should expand sample diversity, explore gender differences, include common comorbidities like ADHD, and investigate longitudinal and neurobiological patterns of anger regulation in ASD.