Examining the role of attention problems in motor stereotypy in children with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

BackgroundMotor Stereotypy has a similar presentation in individuals with and without autism. Attention dysfunction is common in those with motor stereotypy who do not have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A possible link between attention dysfunction and motor stereotypy in ASD remains to be examined. We hypothesize a positive relationship between attention problems and motor stereotypy in individuals with ASD and that attention problems account for changes in stereotypy over time. MethodWe examined the relationship between attention problems and motor stereotypy concurrently and over time in a sample of youth with ASD from the Simons Simplex Collection (N = 2568). Caregiver reported measures including the Child Behavior Checklist, Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised, and Social Responsiveness Scales were used to measure attention problems, motor stereotypy, and autistic traits, respectively. ResultsA hierarchical regression controlling for age, sex, intelligence quotient (IQ), and autistic traits indicated attention problems were significantly associated with motor stereotypy at Time 1 (participant’s initial date intake) for the full sample and at Time 2 (participant’s second data intake) for a follow-up subsample of youth (N = 233). The follow up sample is the subsample of participants with data from a second timepoint. Hierarchical regression with the follow-up sample controlling for age, sex, IQ, autistic traits, and motor stereotypy at Time 1 revealed that the motor stereotypy did not predict change in attention problems over time. ConclusionsFurther investigation into the relationship between attention dysfunction and motor stereotypy could provide insight into developmental challenges indicated by motor stereotypy.