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The Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised: Independent Validation in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders

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Abstract

A key feature of autism is restricted repetitive behavior (RRB). Despite the significance of RRBs, little is known about their phenomenology, assessment, and treatment. The Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised (RBS-R) is a recently-developed questionnaire that captures the breadth of RRB in autism. To validate the RBS-R in an independent sample, we conducted a survey within the South Carolina Autism Society. A total of 320 caregivers (32%) responded. Factor analysis produced a five-factor solution that was clinically meaningful and statistically sound. The factors were labeled “Ritualistic/Sameness Behavior,” “Stereotypic Behavior,” “Self-injurious Behavior,” “Compulsive Behavior,” and “Restricted Interests.” Measures of internal consistency were high for this solution, and interrater reliability data suggested that the RBS-R performs well in outpatient settings.

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Acknowledgment

The authors are very thankful to the families who participated in this study. They also appreciate the South Carolina Autism Society’s willingness to distribute the survey to their parent mailing list. The authors also would like to thank James W. Bodfish for allowing us to use the RBS-R in this research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Neurodevelopmental Disorders Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB# 3367, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-3367, USA

    Kristen S. L. Lam

  2. Departments of Psychology and Psychiatry, Nisonger Center, The Ohio State University, 357 McCampbell Hall, 1581 Dodd Dr, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA

    Michael G. Aman

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  1. Kristen S. L. Lam
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  2. Michael G. Aman
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Correspondence to Kristen S. L. Lam.

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Lam, K.S.L., Aman, M.G. The Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised: Independent Validation in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. J Autism Dev Disord 37, 855–866 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-006-0213-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-006-0213-z

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