Structure of Restricted Repetitive Behaviors of Individuals Referred for Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Structure of Restricted Repetitive Behaviors of Individuals Referred for Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment
Language: English
Authors: Helen Kay Root, Monica M. Abdul-Chani, Zachary Enos Arnold, Jeremy J. Cottle, Timothy Hilty, Kristi Carter Guest, Sarah E. O'Kelley
Source: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 2026 56(1):100-109.
Availability: Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 10
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Behavior Problems, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Autism Spectrum Disorders, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Children, Child Behavior, Screening Tests
DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06536-7
ISSN: 0162-3257
1573-3432
Abstract: Purpose: Restricted and/or repetitive displays of behavior, interests, or activities (RRBs) are one of the core symptom domains of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Current and past research indicates two 'clusters' of RRBs in children with ASD: repetitive sensorimotor (e.g., hand/finger and more complex motor mannerisms) and insistence on sameness (e.g., resistance to changes in the environment) behaviors. The current study aims to fill a gap by examining how RRBs may diverge in individuals with ASD and with other neurodevelopmental disorders (ONDD) in a clinical sample. Methods: A total of 558 individuals were seen at a tertiary care clinic for a comprehensive clinical assessment of ASD. The sample was split into ASD (n = 292 individuals) and ONDD (n = 266) groups based on clinical diagnosis. Exploratory factor analyses were conducted using Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) RRB item scores for the overall sample, the ASD group, and the ONDD group. Results: Exploratory factor analysis of ADI-R RRB items indicated a 2-factor solution for the full sample and ASD group. Items loaded onto two factors comprised of "Repetitive Sensorimotor" and "Insistence on Sameness" behaviors, consistent with previous literature. Results demonstrated a unique loading pattern for the non-ASD group, with items clustering into "Higher Order" (e.g., circumscribed interests) and "Lower Order" (e.g., hand and finger mannerisms) behaviors. Conclusion: The results of the current study may point towards using RRBs to guide screening of children who are referred for an ASD evaluation to better identify children who are at higher risk of having ASD.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1504730
Database: ERIC
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Abstract:Purpose: Restricted and/or repetitive displays of behavior, interests, or activities (RRBs) are one of the core symptom domains of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Current and past research indicates two 'clusters' of RRBs in children with ASD: repetitive sensorimotor (e.g., hand/finger and more complex motor mannerisms) and insistence on sameness (e.g., resistance to changes in the environment) behaviors. The current study aims to fill a gap by examining how RRBs may diverge in individuals with ASD and with other neurodevelopmental disorders (ONDD) in a clinical sample. Methods: A total of 558 individuals were seen at a tertiary care clinic for a comprehensive clinical assessment of ASD. The sample was split into ASD (n = 292 individuals) and ONDD (n = 266) groups based on clinical diagnosis. Exploratory factor analyses were conducted using Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) RRB item scores for the overall sample, the ASD group, and the ONDD group. Results: Exploratory factor analysis of ADI-R RRB items indicated a 2-factor solution for the full sample and ASD group. Items loaded onto two factors comprised of "Repetitive Sensorimotor" and "Insistence on Sameness" behaviors, consistent with previous literature. Results demonstrated a unique loading pattern for the non-ASD group, with items clustering into "Higher Order" (e.g., circumscribed interests) and "Lower Order" (e.g., hand and finger mannerisms) behaviors. Conclusion: The results of the current study may point towards using RRBs to guide screening of children who are referred for an ASD evaluation to better identify children who are at higher risk of having ASD.
ISSN:0162-3257
1573-3432
DOI:10.1007/s10803-024-06536-7