Description of Motor Stereotypies in Adolescents and Adults With Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

This study looked at repetitive movements (like hand flapping or pacing) in 90 teenagers and adults with autism. Nearly 9 out of 10 people still showed these movements, though they became less frequent and severe over time. Hand movements and pacing were most common and likely to continue. Socially noticeable movements tended to decrease more. People with intellectual disability or mental health conditions had more varied and intense repetitive movements.

This cross-sectional study of 90 adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder examined motor stereotypies (repetitive movements) using standardized measures. Results showed 86.5% exhibited motor stereotypies, with complex hand/finger movements and pacing being most common and persistent. While frequency and severity decreased over time, specific stereotypies persisted into adulthood. Socially inappropriate stereotypies were more likely to diminish.

Participants with intellectual disability showed more types of stereotypies, while those with psychiatric comorbidities demonstrated higher frequency and severity. Age and sex did not influence stereotypy presence, suggesting these behaviors remain relevant clinical considerations throughout the lifespan in autism.

Motor stereotypies remain prevalent in adolescents and adults with ASD, requiring ongoing clinical attention. Complex hand movements and pacing are most likely to persist. Addressing psychiatric comorbidities may help reduce stereotypy severity. Socially inappropriate stereotypies often naturally diminish, suggesting focused intervention on persistent, functionally impairing behaviors may be most beneficial.

Single cross-sectional study with retrospective evaluation limits causal inferences. Sample size of 90 is modest. No comparison to typically developing controls. Reliance on caregiver reports may introduce bias. Limited generalizability beyond the specific population studied.

Motor stereotypies (MS) are highly prevalent in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and, although they tend to decrease with age, may persist into adulthood. The primary objective of this study was to describe the frequency, severity, number, and types of MS in adolescents and adults with ASD, to retrospectively evaluate their evolution over time, as well as to examine their relationship with sociodemographic and clinical variables. A sample of 90 adolescents and adults with ASD were included in a cross-sectional and retrospective study. Rojahn's Stereotypic Behavior Scale (SBS) was used to measure the frequency, severity, and types of MS, while the Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment (ASEBA) inventories were utilized to assess psychiatric comorbidity.

MS were observed in 86.5% of cases. The most frequent MS in adolescents and adults with ASD were complex hand and finger movements and pacing (both of which were the most persistent over time) and repetitive body movements (which decreased in periodicity over time). Other, more socially inappropriate MS diminished over time. A significant reduction in the frequency and severity of MS was observed.

No correlation was found between age and frequency of MS, and no differences were observed between men and women. Individuals with ASD and intellectual disability (ID) exhibited more types of MS per case and more frequent MS than those without ID, although these differences were not statistically significant. The ASD group with psychopathological comorbidities showed greater frequency and severity of MS, as well as more types of MS per case. MS decreased in frequency and severity over time but persisted in ASD, particularly those that are more specific to ASD.

The most socially inappropriate MS tended to disappear. The presence of MS in adolescents and adults with ASD was not influenced by age or sex. Adolescents and adults with ASD and ID or psychopathological comorbidities exhibited a greater variety of stereotypies, with the psychopathological comorbidities group showing higher frequency and severity of MS. Understanding the characteristics of MS could aid in predicting their progression, designing more targeted treatments (if needed), and identifying phenotypic subgroups to facilitate the discovery of associated risk genes.