Underlying Mechanisms of Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors Across Typical and Atypical Development

Abstract

Restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests (RRBI) are a core feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and occur across other neurodevelopmental disorders. They present a major barrier to learning and adaptation and a source of stress for parents. Despite their diagnostic prominence and clinical significance, mechanisms underlying RRBI are poorly understood. As a consequence, we currently lack effective individually tailored treatment options for RRBI. In this chapter we concentrate on restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRB), and will argue that one of the major obstacles to a better understanding of these behaviors in ASD has been that research thus far has been largely ASD-centric, both in terms of explanatory frameworks and measurement, despite the fact that these behaviors occur among children with typical development and with other clinical disorders. We will provide a brief overview of the current understanding of the conceptualization and classification of RRB among normative and atypical development. We will then chart the developmental trajectory of two main RRB domains: Repetitive Motor Behaviors (RMB) and Insistence on Sameness (IS) behaviors across typical development and ASD. This will be followed by discussing the trajectory of the cognitive and affective processes that are concomitant to the rise and fall of RRB seen in typically developing children. We will review current ASD literature suggesting that these mechanisms might serve a crucial role in the development and maintenance of specific RRB subtypes. We conclude the chapter by suggesting necessary steps that future research will need to take in order to enable better understanding of, and to design effective treatment options for these clinically impactful behaviors.