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Repetitive Behavior in Rubinstein–Taybi Syndrome: Parallels with Autism Spectrum Phenomenology

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Abstract

Syndrome specific repetitive behavior profiles have been described previously. A detailed profile is absent for Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome (RTS). The Repetitive Behaviour Questionnaire and Social Communication Questionnaire were completed for children and adults with RTS (N = 87), Fragile-X (N = 196) and Down (N = 132) syndromes, and individuals reaching cut-off for autism spectrum disorder (N = 228). Total and matched group analyses were conducted. A phenotypic profile of repetitive behavior was found in RTS. The majority of behaviors in RTS were not associated with social-communication deficits or degree of disability. Repetitive behavior should be studied at a fine-grained level. A dissociation of the triad of impairments might be evident in RTS.

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Notes

  1. The Autism Screening Questionnaire (ASQ) was used in the FXS group while the SCQ was used for the other groups. Item 20 (social chat) differed between the versions for nonverbal participants so to ensure consistency this item was treated as missing data and prorated for nonverbal participants by computing the mean score for other completed items within the communication subscale. The use of the prorated item did not alter the significance or direction of results.

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Acknowledgments

We are grateful to our funding body, Cerebra, and to the Rubinstein Taybi Syndrome Support Group, Fragile X Society, Down Syndrome Association, and National Autistic Society. We are grateful to Gemma Warren who assisted with data collection and analysis.

Conflict of interest

The authors have no financial or other interests related to the research in this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cerebra Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK

    Jane Waite, Joanna Moss, Sarah R. Beck, Caroline Richards, Kate Arron & Chris Oliver

  2. Department of Clinical Psychology, Derbyshire Children’s Hospital, Royal Derby Hospital, Derby, UK

    Lisa Nelson

  3. Department of Psychology, Solihull NHS Trust, Solihull, UK

    Cheryl Burbidge

  4. Department of Psychology, University of East London, London, UK

    Katy Berg

  5. Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, UK

    Joanna Moss

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  1. Jane Waite
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Waite, J., Moss, J., Beck, S.R. et al. Repetitive Behavior in Rubinstein–Taybi Syndrome: Parallels with Autism Spectrum Phenomenology. J Autism Dev Disord 45, 1238–1253 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-014-2283-7

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