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New self-assessment accurately measures repetitive behaviors among adults with autism

Results from two studies suggest that the Repetitive Behaviors Questionnaire-2 may be a useful self-report measure of restricted and repetitive behaviors among adults with autism spectrum disorder.

“Many measures used for research and diagnoses of autism rely on parents, teachers or caregivers to report the behaviors of individuals with the condition,” study researcher Susan R. Leekam, PhD, of Cardiff University and the Wales Autism Research Centre, said in a press release. “What our research has done is develop a test where individuals can report on their own behaviors, for both research and clinical purposes, ensuring we get a fuller picture of the way that these behaviors affect people.”

Researchers conducted two studies to test a new self-report measure of restricted and repetitive behaviors among adults. In the first study, 163 neurotypical adults completed the Repetitive Behaviors Questionnaire-2. In the second study, researchers compared mean Repetitive Behaviors Questionnaire-2 scores among adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (n = 29) and neurotypical adults (n = 37).

Results from the first study highlighted two principal components: repetitive motor behaviors and insistence on sameness.

In the second study, adults with ASD had significantly higher total and subscale scores, suggesting that the Repetitive Behaviors Questionnaire-2 may be a suitable self-report measure of restricted and repetitive behaviors among adults.

“The studies presented here represent an important new contribution with the development of an adult self-report measure of [restricted and repetitive behaviors], which can be used with both ASD and [neurotypical] populations. The need for such a measure is indicated by the findings of both studies, which indicate that self-reported [restricted and repetitive behaviors] in adulthood may present slightly differently than caregiver-reported [restricted and repetitive behaviors] in childhood,” the researchers wrote. “Its utility may be especially helpful given that the [Autism-Spectrum Quotient] does not give an adequate or reliable assessment of [restricted and repetitive behaviors] across typical populations. It may also be useful for other clinical conditions that show [restricted and repetitive behaviors], such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, Gilles de la Tourette syndrome and Parkinson’s disease.”

The researchers note that the test cannot solely diagnose autism, as repetitive behaviors are common symptoms of other conditions and represent only one criterion for autism diagnosis. Thus, the test has been designed to help clinicians in the diagnostic process. – by Amanda Oldt

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.