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Restricted, Repetitive Behaviors in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder: A Comparative Review

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Abstract

This review paper critically examines literature regarding restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs) in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The similar behavioral profiles of these disorders presents the potential for confusion regarding diagnoses and intervention efforts. As such, this review highlights the similarities and differences between RRBs in ASD and OCD. The developmental trajectories of RRBs are presented, followed by an exploration of three constructs implicated in RRB manifestation: anxiety, executive functioning, and sensory phenomena. While RRBs tend to develop with some similarity in both disorders, the differing role of anxiety highlights important distinctions between ASD and OCD. We urge researchers and clinicians to think critically about the dimensions that affect RRB presentation. Future research should use this review as a starting point to further elucidate the differences between RRBs in these two populations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Psychology Department, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada

    Marina Jiujias, Elizabeth Kelley & Layla Hall

  2. Queen’s University, Humphrey Hall Room 351, 62 Arch Street, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada

    Elizabeth Kelley

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  1. Marina Jiujias
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  2. Elizabeth Kelley
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  3. Layla Hall
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Correspondence to Elizabeth Kelley.

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Jiujias, M., Kelley, E. & Hall, L. Restricted, Repetitive Behaviors in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder: A Comparative Review. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 48, 944–959 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-017-0717-0

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