Assessment of Rituals and Stereotypy

Abstract

(from the chapter) Individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) present with a "triad of impairments" that negatively affect social interaction and communication abilities and result in the presence of restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior. Although repetitive stereotyped behavior is one of the three defining features of ASD, compared with the extensive literature published on the other impairments related to this disorder, this class of behaviors continues to be relatively underrepresented in the literature. This actuality becomes clear when one considers the challenges that ritualistic/repetitive or stereotyped behaviors evince for individuals with ASD, their families and service providers, and the diagnostic significance of such behaviors. The following section of this chapter will outline the specific behaviors that make up the behavioral cluster of stereotyped patterns of behavior and outline specific studies that have examined topographical forms. The debilitating effects that contribute to the overall disorder of ASD will be provided. In addition, specific methods and considerations in assessment will also be addressed by providing an overview of some assessment instruments for stereotypy and ritualistic behaviors. We have chosen to include the most researched measures by providing descriptions of the instruments and studies that have incorporated them. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved).