What interests young autistic children? An exploratory study of object exploration and repetitive behavior.

ABSTRACT: Behaviors characterized as restricted and repetitive (RRBs) in autism manifest in diverse ways, from motor mannerisms to intense interests, and are diagnostically defined as interfering with functioning. A variety of early autism interventions target RRBs as preoccupying young autistic children to the detriment of exploration and learning opportunities. In an exploratory study, we developed a novel stimulating play situation including objects of potential interest to autistic children, then investigated repetitive behaviors and object explorations in 49 autistic and 43 age-matched typical young children (20-69 months). Autistic children displayed significantly increased overall frequency and duration of repetitive behaviors, as well as increased specific repetitive behaviors. However, grou

SUBMITTER: Jacques C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6312372 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature