What do repetitive and stereotyped movements mean for infant siblings of children with autism spectrum disorders?

J Autism Dev Disord. 2013 Jun;43(6):1326-35. doi: 10.1007/s10803-012-1681-y.

Abstract

Repetitive and stereotyped movements (RSMs) in infancy are associated with later diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet this relationship has not been fully explored in high-risk populations. The current study investigated how RSMs involving object and body use are related to diagnostic outcomes in infant siblings of children with ASD (Sibs-ASD) and typically developing children (Sibs-TD). The rate and number of different types of RSMs were measured at an average of 15 months with follow-up diagnostic evaluations approximately 18 months later. While Sibs-ASD displayed higher rates of RSMs relative to Sibs-TD, rates did not differ according to diagnostic outcome in Sibs-ASD. However preliminary evidence suggests that qualitative differences in RSM type warrant further investigation as early diagnostic markers.

MeSH terms

  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / diagnosis*
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / genetics
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease / genetics
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Siblings / psychology*
  • Stereotyped Behavior*
  • Stereotypic Movement Disorder / diagnosis