Exploring the Relationship Between Family Experiences and Behavioral Inflexibility in Young Autistic Children

Behavioral inflexibility (BI) is a known challenge for many Autistic individuals and refers to rigid behavioral patterns not easily adapted across changing situations. While the associations between BI and specific autism characteristics are established, research on the possible impact of young children’s BI on familial functioning is limited. To fill the gap, the current study explored the associations between BI and parent-reported family experiences. Participants were 132 families with an Autistic child (M = 3.73 years, SD = 0.84); sample size was determined sufficient to detect a medium effect size (i.e., 0.06 < R² < 0.11). Measures included the Behavioral Inflexibility Scale (BIS), Autism Family Experience Questionnaire (AFEQ), Autism Impact Measure—communication subscale (AIM), and a sociodemographic questionnaire. After controlling for socioeconomic status, sex, and social-communication symptom severity, (with Benjamini–Hochberg correction), BI was not significantly associated with parenting an Autistic child, but was significantly associated with family life. Our mixed findings may be partially due to the young age of our sample. It is possible that an association between BI and specific family experiences, such as parenting experiences, may not emerge until later years but this needs to be examined. Further understanding of the relationship between BI and family experiences, notably the developmental trajectory of this relationship, may inform understanding of social dynamics, familial supports, and resources for families with Autistic children.