Brief Report: Repetitive Behaviour Profiles in Williams syndrome: Cross Syndrome Comparisons with Prader-Willi and Down syndromes

J Autism Dev Disord. 2018 Jan;48(1):326-331. doi: 10.1007/s10803-017-3319-6.

Abstract

This study describes the profile of repetitive behaviour in individuals with Williams syndrome, utilising cross-syndrome comparisons with people with Prader-Willi and Down syndromes. The Repetitive Behaviour Questionnaire was administered to caregivers of adults with Williams (n = 96), Prader-Willi (n = 103) and Down (n = 78) syndromes. There were few group differences, although participants with Williams syndrome were more likely to show body stereotypies. Individuals with Williams syndrome also showed more hoarding and less tidying behaviours than those with Down syndrome. IQ and adaptive ability were negatively associated with repetitive questioning in people with Williams syndrome. The profile of repetitive behaviour amongst individuals with Williams syndrome was similar to the comparison syndromes. The cognitive mechanisms underlying these behaviours in genetic syndromes warrant further investigation.

Keywords: Down syndrome; Prader–Willi syndrome; Repetitive behaviour; Williams syndrome.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Caregivers / psychology*
  • Cognition / physiology
  • Down Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Down Syndrome / epidemiology
  • Down Syndrome / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prader-Willi Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Prader-Willi Syndrome / epidemiology
  • Prader-Willi Syndrome / psychology*
  • Stereotyped Behavior / physiology
  • Stereotypic Movement Disorder / diagnosis
  • Stereotypic Movement Disorder / epidemiology
  • Stereotypic Movement Disorder / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Williams Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Williams Syndrome / epidemiology
  • Williams Syndrome / psychology*
  • Young Adult