Repetitive Behaviors and Interests

Along with deficits in social communication and interaction, repetitive behaviors and interests are core features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Some common examples of repetitive behaviors characteristic of ASD include stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms, body movements such as rocking back and forth, finger flicking, and spinning in circles. Examples of repetitive interests characteristic of ASD include insistence that objects or routines be exactly the same and persistent preoccupation with parts of objects.

Many individuals with normative development may show extensive interest in certain topics; they may collect items related to their interest, may be able to talk on that subject for several hours, and may proceed as young adults to join interest groups or societies dedicated to their interest. The difference between these behaviors and ...

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