Abstract
Background: Several instruments have been proposed to investigate restricted, repetitive behaviors (RRBs) in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Systematic video observations may overcome questionnaire and interview limitations to investigate RRBs. This study aimed to analyze stereotypic patterns through video recordings and to determine the correlation between the number and appearance of RRBs to ASD severity. Methods: Twenty health professionals wearing a body cam recorded 780 specific RRBs during everyday activities of 67 individuals with ASD (mean age: 14.2 ± 3.72 years) for three months. Each stereotypy was classified according to its complexity pattern (i.e., simple or complex) based on body parts and sensory channels involved. Results: The RRBs spectrum for each subject ranged from one to 33 different patterns (mean: 11.6 ± 6.82). Individuals with a lower number of stereotypies shown a lower ASD severity compared to subjects with a higher number of stereotypies (p = 0.044). No significant differences were observed between individuals exhibiting simple (n = 40) and complex patterns (n = 27) of stereotypies on ASD severity, age, sex, and the number of stereotypes. Conclusions: This study represents the first attempt to systematically document expression patterns of RRBs with a data-driven approach. This may provide a better understanding of the pathophysiology and management of RRBs.
Highlights
Repetitive behaviors have been associated with different disorders such as autism [1].Their variety is large including motor, sensorial, vocal, and intellective components
The aims of this study were (1) to analyze RRBs patterns through video recordings i.e., VICTOR project (VIdeo CaTaloguing OF Repetitive behaviors), and (2) to determine whether the number and quality of RRBs were related to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) severity
Scores are organized into two domains: Social Affect (ADOS SA), including
Summary
Repetitive behaviors have been associated with different disorders such as autism [1]. Their variety is large including motor, sensorial, vocal, and intellective components. These behaviors are inconsistently demonstrated over time, are not always present in the same individual, and can change in quantity, quality, and type. Motor stereotypies denote repetitive, fixed, and purposeless behavioral actions that generally stop with distraction. They involve features such as invariance and repetition [1]. Several instruments have been proposed to investigate restricted, repetitive behaviors (RRBs) in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Results: The RRBs spectrum for each subject ranged from one to 33 different patterns (mean: 11.6 ± 6.82)
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