A systematic examination of catatonia-like clinical pictures in autism spectrum disorders.

Three studies concerning catatonia-like clinical pictures in people with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) referred to clinics are described. The first investigated the frequencies, in children and adults with autistic disorders, of 28 specific disorders of movement, speech, and behavior similar to those occurring in chronic catatonia spectrum conditions. The second compared the frequency of these items among groups of children with, ASDs, learning disabilities, specific language impairment, and a group with typical development, respectively. The third study examined the pattern of catatonia-like deterioration occurring in a minority of adolescents and adults with ASDs. The studies demonstrated the high frequency of catatonia-like features in people with autistic disorders. There was some tendency for improvement with increasing age, especially for those with IQ 70 or over. The items were also found in children with learning disabilities and specific language disorders but significantly less often. They occurred least often in the children with typical development. Severe catatonia-like deterioration occurred in 17% of those with autistic disorders, who were aged 15 years or over when assessed at a diagnostic center. A history of passivity in social interaction and impairment of expressive language were associated with the deterioration. No clear relationship was found between a history of catatonia-like features, singly or combined, and catatonia-like deterioration. The findings pose questions for future research.