Stereotypies and repetitive/restrictive behaviours in infants with autism and pervasive developmental disorder.
OBJECTIVE
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are characterized by severe and debilitating symptoms including stereotyped and repetitive behaviours. Stereotypies and repetitive behaviours constitute core features of ASD and markedly impede attempts to remediate the disorder. Little previous research has examined characteristics of the core features of ASD in infants.


METHODS
In the present study, 760 infants with autism, PDD-NOS or no diagnosis of ASD but at risk for other developmental delays or physical disabilities were evaluated with respect to the nature and extent of their stereotyped and ritualistic behaviour using the Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits (BISCUIT). A Kruskal-Wallis test with follow-up Mann-Whitney tests were employed to test for significant differences.


RESULTS
Infants with autism evinced the highest amount of stereotypic behaviour, followed by those with PDD-NOS and atypical development. A sub-set of BISCUIT items could accurately predict diagnostic group membership.


CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest that many core features of ASD are distinct and can be reliably identified early in life. The potential early identification of these behavioural challenges could lead to earlier intervention practices and symptom alleviation for children in this population.
Matson
Johnny L
JL
Psychology Department, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, 70816, USA. johnmatson@aol.com
Dempsey
Timothy
T
Fodstad
Jill C
JC
D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D013239:Stereotyped Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires