[Autism: Insistence on invariance. Understanding and treatment]

Area of Science:

• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Behavioral Psychology

Background:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by challenges in social communication and interaction.
• A common feature observed in individuals with ASD is insistence on sameness or resistance to change.
• The underlying mechanisms connecting core ASD deficits to this insistence on invariance require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the relationship between self-regulation, social, and communication skill development in autism.
• To understand how developmental differences in these core areas contribute to the emergence of insistence on invariance.
• To outline therapeutic strategies for addressing resistance to change in individuals with autism.

Main Methods:

• This study is a conceptual review and synthesis of existing research.
• It integrates findings from developmental psychology, neuroscience, and clinical practice in autism.
• The approach involves analyzing the interplay between skill acquisition and behavioral patterns.

Main Results:

• There is a strong correlation between underdeveloped self-regulation, social, and communication skills and the manifestation of insistence on invariance in autism.
• Difficulties in adapting to change are linked to challenges in executive functions and sensory processing.
• Successful interventions require a multifaceted approach targeting these core deficits.

Conclusions:

• Insistence on invariance in autism is a consequence of atypical development in self-regulation and social-communication skills.
• Addressing resistance to change necessitates interventions that support skill development in these areas.
• Therapeutic strategies should encompass modifications in physical and social environments and sensory processing support.