n. the constant repetition of a complex action, which is carried out in the same way each time. It is seen in *catatonia and *autism; sometimes it is an isolated symptom in people with *learning disability. It is more common in patients who live in institutions where they are bored and unstimulated and can sometimes cause physical injury to the patient.
n. a psychiatric disorder of childhood, with an onset before the age of 2½ years. It is marked by severe difficulties in communicating and forming relationships with other people, in developing language, and in using abstract concepts; repetitive and limited patterns of behaviour (see stereotypy); and obsessive resistance to tiny changes in familiar surroundings. Autistic children find it hard to understand how other people feel, and so tend to remain isolated even into adult life. About 50% have learning disabilities, but some may be gifted in specific areas. The cause is unknown, but genetic factors and brain damage may be important. The condition usually progresses into adulthood, and independent living is uncommon. Treatment is not specific, but lengthy specialized education is usually necessary. Behaviour problems and anxiety can be controlled with behaviour therapy and drugs (such as *antipsychotics). Autism and similar developmental disorders, including *Asperger’s syndrome and *Rett’s syndrome, are known as autistic spectrum disorders. —autistic adj.... autism
a disorder affecting young girls, in which stereotyped movements (see stereotypy) and social withdrawal appear during early childhood. Intellectual development is often impaired and special educational help is needed. The condition is inherited as an X-linked (see sex-linked) dominant characteristic. [A. Rett (1924–97), Austrian paediatrician]... rett’s syndrome
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