Relationship between Stereotyped Behaviors and Restricted Interests ( SBRIs ) measured on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule ( ADOS ) and diagnostic results

Introduction This study investigated possible relationships between Stereotyped Behaviors and Restricted Interests (SBRIs) measured on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and diagnostic results in 119 children ages 16 months to 15 years of age. Sub-categories of SBRI symptoms, including sensory behaviors, complex motor mannerisms, and restricted interests and unusual behaviors on the ADOS were compared to diagnostic findings. Results Results indicated that mean SBRI scores varied across diagnostic categories with higher scores associated with more severe ADOS classifications and DSM-IV diagnoses. Furthermore, certain sub-categories of SBRI symptoms varied more significantly across diagnostic results. Conclusion These results support diagnostic validity of the SBRI domain for use with the ADOS and DSM-IV, with particular significance due to recent revisions of both (ADOS-2 and DSM-5).