Definition of abnormal focused affections and exploration of their relation to abnormal stereotyped behaviors

The relation between abnormal stereotyped behaviors and abnormal focused affections (i.e., abnormally consistent preferences for specific objects, symbols, and/or physical locations) was examined in 20 children with developmental disabilities. Results indicated that (a) all children who exhibited abnormal focused affections exhibited stereotypies; (b) abnormal focused affections could be studied reliably in individuals with developmental disabilities through the use of direct time-sampling observations, naturalistic observations, and informant reports; and (c) developmental age was significantly related to the frequency of (and the number of different) stereotyped behaviors and the frequency of nonstereotyped (i.e., developmentally appropriate) behaviors exhibited across the sample. Results also provide preliminary support for the notion of a general stereotyped behavioral repertoire in individuals with developmental disabilities.