Repetitive and Restricted Behaviors and Interests in Autism Spectrum Disorders: From Neurobiology to Behavior (Autism and Child Psychopathology Series)

This volume examines repetitive and restrictive behaviors and interests (RRBIs) affecting individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The various aspects of RRBIs, an umbrella term for a broad class of behaviors linked by repetition, rigidity, invariance, and inappropriateness to place and context are reviewed by an international team of expert leaders in the field. Key topics of coverage include: Neurological Mechanisms Underlying Repetitive: Animal and human models Underlying mechanisms of RRBs across typical and atypical development The relationship between RRBI and other characteristics of ASD (communication, social, sensory aspects) RRBIs and adults with ASD Diagnosing RRBIs An RRBI intervention model The book bridges the gap between the neurobiological and neurocognitive bodies of knowledge in relation to RRBIs and their behavioral aspects and examines associations with other domains of ASD. In addition, the volume addresses related assessment and treatment of RRBI in ASD. This is an essential resource for researchers, graduate students, clinicians and related therapists and professionals in developmental psychology, behavioral therapy/rehabilitation, social work, clinical child and school psychology, child and adolescent psychiatry, pediatrics, occupational therapy and special education. Repetitive and Restricted Behaviors and Interests in Autism Spectrum Disorders Contents Contributors Chapter 1: Introduction: Repetitive and Restricted Behaviors and Interests in Autism Spectrum Disorders Routines, Rituals and Resistance to Change Circumscribed and Restricted Interests Hypo- or Hyper-Reactivity to Sensory Input/Unusual Sensory Interests References Chapter 2: “It’s in my Nature” – Subjective Meanings of Repetitive and Restricted Behaviors and Interests Voiced by Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders Introduction First-Hand Accounts of RRBI First-Hand Accounts in the Current Chapter: Participants, Data Collection and Interpretation Subjective Meaning of RRBIs Arousal and Attention Regulation Sensory Regulation Emotional Regulation Providing a Sense of Security and Coping with Unexpected Changes in Routine Managing Social Communication and Social Interaction Subjective Implications of RRBIs in Daily Life RRBIs that Promote Participation RRBI that Inhibit Participation Implications for Research and Practice RRBIs in Adulthood The Centrality of Sensory Sensitivity Emotional and Psychological Aspects Implications for Daily Functioning References Chapter 3: Neurological Mechanisms Underlying Repetitive and Restricted Behaviors in Autism Spectrum Disorders RRBI’s and Psychological Theories Structural Abnormalities Genetic Abnormalities Molecular (Neurotransmitters) Abnormalities Summary References Chapter 4: Repeated Behavioral Patterns in Animal Models of Autism ASD-Like Mice Models Based on Genetic Manipulation Shank3 Knockout/Mutation NLGN3/NLGN4 Mutation Social Interaction Tests for Rodents Dyadic Reciprocal Social Interaction Test Three Chambers Social Interaction Test Male to Female Ultrasonic Communication Stereotypical Movements Tests for Rodents Self-Grooming Independent of Social Context Digging Independent of Social Context Marble Burying Test Wheel Jam Test Morris Water Maze/Water T-Maze Anxiety Depression and ADHD Tests for Rodents Open Field Test Elevated plus Maze Test ASD-Like Mice Model Based on Induced Inflammation during Pregnancy Inducing by Poly (I:C) ASD-Like Mice Model Based on Multifactorial Factors Summary References Chapter 5: Underlying Mechanisms of Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors Across Typical and Atypical Development Introduction Conceptualization and Classification of RRB Integrating Findings across Typical and Atypical Development to Inform the Identification of the Mechanism Involved in the Development and Maintenance of RRB in ASD Insistence on Sameness Repetitive Motor Behaviors (RMB) Summary and Future Directions References Chapter 6: Sensory Subtypes in Autism Spectrum Disorder Chapter 7: Sex/Gender and Repetitive and Restrictive Behaviors in Autism Spectrum Disorder Chapter 8: The Measurement of Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors in Autism Spectrum Disorder Chapter 9: Language Comprehension and Speech Production in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Psycho-Linguistic Insights on Restricted, Repetitive Behaviors and Interests Introduction Co-morbid Language Impairments with ASD Language Comprehension: The Foundation for Grammar Rote Learning as a Symptom in ASD Echolalia as a Symptom in ASD Pronoun Reversals as a Symptom in ASD Difficulties in Linguistic Inferences, Metaphors and Idioms Speech Production: Babbling, Words and Sentences Absence of Canonical Babbling as a Red Flag for ASD The Emergence of First Words by Toddlers with ASD Word Extensions by Children with ASD In-Depth Semantic Abilities of Individuals with ASD Pragmatics- the Core Difficulty of Individuals with ASD Speech Intelligibility - Pitch, Voicing and Intonation in ASD RRBI and Language Development - What Can Be Said to Date? Summary Points References Chapter 10: Social Interaction Among Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Relations with Repetitive and Restricted Behaviors and Interests Introduction Social Communication Difficulties Nature of Social Interactions Social Interactions in Individuals with ASD and Its Interplay with RRBI Common Underlying Mechanisms Social Withdrawn as a Result of RRBI RRBI as a Result of Lack of Social Understanding Summary References Chapter 11: The Role of Anxiety Symptoms in Understanding Restricted, Repetitive Behaviours and Interests in Autism Spectrum Disorders RRBI in ASD Anxiety Symptoms in ASD The Association Between Symptoms of Anxiety and RRBI in ASD Explanations for the Association Between Anxiety and RRBI Third Party Factors The Neurobiology of Anxiety in ASD Repetitive Behaviors in Anxiety Related Disorders ASD and OCD Similarities ASD and OCD Differences Challenges in Identifying and Differentiating RRBI from Anxiety in ASD Summary References Chapter 12: The Relationship Between Eating Pathologies and Restricted, Repetitive Behaviours and Interests in Autism Spectrum Disorders Introduction RRBI in ASD Eating and Feeding Disorders in ASD Eating Disorders and RRBI in ASD Eating Problems Nutritional Implications of Eating/Feeding Problems in ASD Eating Problems and RRBI in ASD Summary and Conclusion References Chapter 13: Early Intervention and Restricted, Repetitive Behaviours and Interests Background RRBI in Childhood: Functions in Typical and Atypical Development RRBI and Social Learning Early Intervention and RRBI Early Intervention Frameworks Measuring RRBI Outcomes in Comprehensive Early Interventions Therapist-Delivered Early Interventions and RRBI Parent-Mediated Interventions and RRBI RRBI as Predictors of Early Intervention Outcomes Measuring RRBI Outcomes in Focused Intervention Practices Parent-Mediated Focused Interventions for RRBI Sensory-Based Interventions Summary and Conclusion References Chapter 14: “Rep-Mod”: An Intervention Model for Restricted, Repetitive Behaviours and Interests Introduction RRBI: Implications for the Intervention Model “Rep-Mod”: Intervention Model (See Fig. 14.1) Assessment Process Intervention Methods Empowering Methods Transformation Reinforcement Reduction Methods Reassessment Case Studies Case Study 1 Assessment Intervention Participation/Reassessment Case Study 2 Assessment Intervention Participation/Reassessment Case Study 3 Assessment Intervention Participation/Reassessment Case Study 4 Assessment Intervention Participation/Reassessment Summary References Chapter 15: Restricted, Repetitive Behaviours and Interests in the Workplace: Barriers, Advantages, and an Individual Difference Approach to Autism Employment Introduction RBBIs in Adulthood: Potential for Barrier and Strength? RBBIs in the Workplace What Evidence Is There for an ‘Autism Advantage’ at Work? Attention to Detail Tolerance for Repetitive Tasks Special/Circumscribed Interests Other RRBI Related Advantages and Concerns An Individualised Approach to Autism Strength in the Workplace References Index