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One-year Change in Repetitive Behaviours in Young Children with Communication Disorders Including Autism

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Abstract

Repetitive behaviours are a relatively neglected area of study in autism. Previous research has concluded that repetitive behaviour is inversely related to ability and that it tends to increase over the preschool years. One-hundred and four children ages 24–48 months, with autism, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other disorders, were followed for 13 months. Twelve items from the Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI-R) were analysed, as well as diagnostic algorithm scores. Ability was related to degree of repetitive behaviours, except for one cluster of relatively able children. ADI-R repetitive behaviour algorithm scores increased over time; however, when all 12 behaviours were considered, there was a general decrease in impact upon the child’s and family’s activities. Reasons for this decrease are discussed.

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Acknowledgements

We are very grateful to the parents and children who took part in the studies and shared their experiences with us. We are also grateful to the clinicians in the North East of England who approached families about the research. Study 1 formed a doctoral dissertation of Heather Shearer. Study 2 was funded by the Community Fund (National Lottery Charities Board) with a grant to Children North East in collaboration with the University of Newcastle.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Durham, Durham, UK

    Emma Honey & Heather Shearer

  2. School of Clinical Medical Sciences, University of Newcastle, Sir James Spence Institute, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle, NE1 4LP, UK

    Helen McConachie, Val Randle & Ann S. Le Couteur

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  1. Emma Honey
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  2. Helen McConachie
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  3. Val Randle
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  4. Heather Shearer
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  5. Ann S. Le Couteur
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Correspondence to Helen McConachie.

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Honey, E., McConachie, H., Randle, V. et al. One-year Change in Repetitive Behaviours in Young Children with Communication Disorders Including Autism. J Autism Dev Disord 38, 1439–1450 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-006-0191-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-006-0191-1

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