Prevalence and determinants of motor stereotypies in autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Stereotypies are frequently reported in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) but remain one of the less explained phenomena. We aimed to describe, through a systematic review and a meta-analysis, the prevalence of motor stereotypies in ASD and study the factors that influence this prevalence. Our literature search included MEDLINE, Scopus, and PsycINFO databases. Quality and risk of bias were assessed. Thirty-seven studies were included and the median prevalence of motor stereotypies in ASD was 51.8%, ranging from 21.9% to 97.5%. The most frequent determinants associated with a higher number of stereotypies in ASD were a younger age, lower intelligence quotient, and a greater severity of ASD. Moreover, gender did not seem to influence the prevalence of stereotypies. Meta-analytic analysis showed that lower IQ and autism diagnosis (independent of IQ) are associated with a higher prevalence of motor stereotypies (odds ratio = 2.5 and 4.7, respectively). Limitations of the reviewed literature include the use of convenience samples, with small sizes and heterogeneous inclusion criteria, and the predominance of high-functioning autism individuals.

Assessment of presentation patterns of repetitive behaviors in Autism: a cross-sectional video-recording study. Preliminary report

“…It is worth noting that the heterogeneity of participants with ASD across studies in terms of age, sex, cognitive function, and ASD severity may contribute to obtaining different and occasionally contradictory results and thus may have significantly interfered with a clear understanding of the RRB profile in individuals with ASD. [Melo et al, 2019 ] No correlation was found between stereotypy behaviors and interruption interventions, highlighting that the degree of stereotypy complexity was not related to the type of interruption intervention.…”

“…Repetitive use of objects, repetitive activities or ritualism, and repetitive speech are considered as repetitive behaviors. [Cunningham & Schreibman, 2008 ; Melo et al, 2019 ] Most studies have addressed specifically the motor component of repetitive behavior, i.e. motor stereotypies.…”

“…In children with developmental disabilities, the prevalence of motor stereotypies can be as high as 61%, and even higher (88%) in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. [Chebli, Martin, & Lanovaz, 2016 ] Recently, dddMelo et al (2019) reported a higher prevalence of motor stereotypies in individuals with ASD and lower intellective quotient (IQ), while gender was not associated with its prevalence.…”

“…[Goldman et al, 2013 ] Specifically, standardized video-recordings can help depict the intricate pattern of RRB commonly observed in ASD. [Goldman et al, 2009 ] Recently, dddMelo et al (2019) suggested describing and characterize stereotypies employing direct observation methods, e.g., video-recording. A better description and understanding of the variety of repetitive behaviors in individuals with ASD would increase the current knowledge of their pathophysiology and the development of better and more appropriate treatment interventions.…”

Brief Report: Mobile Technology to Support Parents in Reducing Stereotypy

“…Stereotypy is typically defined as the occurrence of repetitive and invariant behaviors that do not serve any apparent social function (Rapp & Vollmer, 2005). As it represents one of the diagnostic subcriteria for the disorder, at least 50% of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) engage in some form of stereotypy (Melo et al, 2019). Stereotypy may directly interfere with learning, socialization as well as adaptive functioning, and lead to social stigmatisation (Coon & Rapp, 2016;Lampi et al, 2018;Lanovaz et al, 2013).…”