Repetitive behavior and restricted interests in young children with autism: comparisons with controls and stability over 2 years

Abstract

Restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests and activities [RRBs] are among the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Previous studies have indicated that RRBs differentiate ASD from other developmental disorders and from typical development. This study examined the presentation of RRBs as reported on the Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised, a caregiver report, in children with ASD [separated into autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified groups] compared with children with nonspectrum developmental delays or typical development. We examined the role of age, cognitive functioning, sex and social communication impairment as they relate to RRBs. The stability of RRBs in children with autism was also examined over the course of 2 years. Results of the study confirmed that the amount and type of RRBs differs by diagnosis. Age, cognitive functioning, sex and social-communication impairment were not significant correlates. Among children with autism, RRBs remained stable over time.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00271622 NCT00298246.

Keywords: autism spectrum disorders; repetitive behaviors; trajectory; young children.

© 2013 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Figures

Figure 1. Relationship of RBS-R scoring algorithms to conceptualizations of repetitive behaviors

Note: The RBS-R (Bodfish et al, 2000) subscales consist of 43 items. The Lam and Aman scoring algorithm consists of 38 items and merges items from the Ritualistic and Sameness Behavior subscales (Lam & Aman, 2007). The conceptualization set forth by Mirenda and colleagues (2010) includes all 43 items with the Stereotyped and Restricted Behavior scales merged and the Compulsive, Ritualistic and Sameness Behavior scales merged. In a review of RRBs, Turner (1999) considered stereotyped behaviors “lower order” and compulsive behaviors “higher order.”