Repetitive behaviours in autistic and non-autistic adults: Associations with sensory sensitivity and impact on self-efficacy

Abstract

Restricted and repetitive behaviours are a core feature of autism diagnoses but have not been widely studied in adulthood. This study examined the rates of and associations between repetitive behaviours and sensory sensitivity in autistic and non-autistic adults; and whether repetitive behaviours described as “stimming” impacted coping with difficulties (self-efficacy). Diagnosed autistic (n=182), undiagnosed autistic (n=163) and non-autistic (n=146) adults completed online measures of repetitive behaviours, sensory sensitivity, and self-efficacy for when able and not able to stim. Autistic groups reported higher ratings of repetitive behaviours and sensory sensitivity compared to the non-autistic group. Repetitive behaviours and sensory sensitivity correlated significantly in all groups. There were no differences between the groups on self-efficacy ratings when people were able to stim. However when unable to stim, autistic people reported lower self-efficacy than non-autistic people. Results suggest that repetitive behaviours remain common among autistic adults and are significantly associate with sensory sensitivities. Rather than repetitive behaviours being viewed as negative, stimming was associated with increased self-efficacy. Results suggest that stimming may have beneficial effects. Further work is needed to better understand how repetitive behaviours and stimming manifest in adulthood, how they change over time and their effects for autistic adults.