How does insistence on sameness trajectories develop from childhood into adulthood in autism?

PostedDecember 10, 2025

UpdatedDecember 10, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Beatrice Holloway, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

The study of autism and developmental trajectories offers insight into how insistence on sameness evolves across life stages. Children may first display rigid routines through play or daily rituals, while adults often adapt these needs into structured habits. By examining autism and developmental trajectories, we can see how sameness behaviours shift, stabilise, or intensify depending on environment and support.

Research into childhood vs adulthood autism shows that while sameness behaviours often lessen in visibility, they rarely disappear. For example, a child who lines up toys may grow into an adult who prefers strict work routines. The presence of flexibility-building strategies during youth strongly shapes how behaviours unfold. Without support, rigid patterns may strengthen, limiting adaptability. Studies of sameness behaviours in lifespan highlight that experiences at school, home, and work all influence whether insistence on sameness becomes a challenge or a helpful structure. These findings underline the role of environment in long-term autism development, where supportive interventions can reduce distress linked to change.

How sameness changes with age

Here are some typical shifts across stages of life:

Childhood

Rigidity often appears in play, eating habits, or bedtime rituals.

Adolescence

Social pressures may make sameness behaviours more challenging to manage in peer settings.

Adulthood

Some behaviours evolve into structured habits that help with organisation, though rigidity can still limit flexibility.

Tracking these patterns helps families and professionals provide age-appropriate support.

Visit providers like Autism Detect for personal consultations and tailored guidance.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Insistence on Sameness.

Beatrice Holloway, MSc

Author

Beatrice Holloway is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She specialises in CBT, psychological testing, and applied behaviour therapy, working with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delays, and learning disabilities, as well as adults with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, OCD, and substance use disorders. Holloway creates personalised treatment plans to support emotional regulation, social skills, and academic progress in children, and delivers evidence-based therapy to improve mental health and well-being across all ages.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.