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Differences in Stereotypic Behavior in Adults Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders Using the DSM-IV-TR and the DSM-5

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Abstract

The purpose of the current study was to investigate differences in the frequency of stereotypic behavior (e.g., engaging in repetitive activities; repetitive body movements such as rocking, spinning, handflapping; repetition of words or sounds; and perseveration on specific topics) using a psychometrically sound measure, the Diagnostic Assessment for the Severely Handicapped, second edition (DASH-II). The sample investigated included 261 adults with severe or profound intellectual disability (ID), 51 of whom met criteria for ASD according to the DSM-5; 84 of whom met criteria for the DSM-IV-TR, but no longer qualify for an ASD diagnosis with the new criteria; and a control group of 126 adults who did not qualify for an ASD diagnosis according to either version of the DSM. The DSM-5 captured a more impaired population in terms of stereotypies, though a significant difference remains between those who no longer meet criteria and a control group with ID who did not meet criteria for ASD under either version of the DSM.

Highlights

• Approximately 38 % of adults with ID currently meeting criteria for autism under the DSM-IV-TR did not meet the DSM-5 criteria.

• Those who continued to meet criteria for ASD had higher scores on the DASH-II stereotypy subscale.

• People meeting DSM-IV but not DSM-5 criteria had significantly more stereotypic behavior than adults without ASD.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA

    Jennifer S. Beighley, Johnny L. Matson, Robert D. Rieske, Paige E. Cervantes, Rachel Goldin & Jina Jang

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  1. Jennifer S. Beighley
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  2. Johnny L. Matson
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  3. Robert D. Rieske
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  4. Paige E. Cervantes
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  5. Rachel Goldin
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  6. Jina Jang
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Correspondence to Jennifer S. Beighley.

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Beighley, J.S., Matson, J.L., Rieske, R.D. et al. Differences in Stereotypic Behavior in Adults Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders Using the DSM-IV-TR and the DSM-5 . J Dev Phys Disabil 26, 193–202 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-013-9356-y

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