ABSTRACT

This study examined latent profiles of individuals with developmental disabilities based on patterns of challenging behaviors and functional abilities and investigated differences in caregiver burden and life satisfaction across profiles. Data were drawn from the 2024 Survey on the Work and Life of Persons with Developmental Disabilities and included 3,000 individuals with developmental disabilities and their primary caregivers. Latent profile analysis was conducted using eight indicators of challenging behaviors (self-injurious behavior, aggressive behavior toward others, destructive behavior, disruptive behavior, repetitive and atypical behaviors, socially inappropriate behavior, withdrawn or inattentive behavior, and noncompliant behavior) and three indicators of functional abilities (communication ability, cognitive ability, and instrumental activities of daily living). The analysis identified six latent profiles: Adaptive-Low Challenge (64.5%), Externalizing-Nonaggressive (8.4%), Aggressive-Low Communication (5.1%), Internalizing-Resistant (8.2%), Moderate Multidomain Challenge (11.2%), and Severe Complex Support Needs (2.6%). Caregiver burden and life satisfaction differed significantly across profiles. Specifically, profiles characterized by higher levels of challenging behaviors and lower levels of functional ability were associated with greater caregiver burden and lower life satisfaction. These findings suggest that individuals with developmental disabilities are better understood as comprising heterogeneous subgroups rather than as a homogeneous population and highlight the need for tailored interventions and caregiver support policies.

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