This paper studies subtypes of restricted, repetitive and stereotypical
behaviors (RRBs) in adolescent males with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from
the viewpoint of the dynamics of brain functional connectivities (FCs). Data
from the ABIDE-II repository and Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised (RBS-R)
metrics are used to form two ASD groups with tightly controlled demographics;
one comprises subjects with scores above threshold for the self-injurious
behaviors (SIBs) subscale, and the other subjects with scores below threshold
for SIBs, but above threshold for at least one of the other subscales
(stereotyped, compulsive, ritualistic, insistence on sameness, restricted
interests). The dynamics of the coherence for FCs across distinct frequency
bands are compared against matched controls, using a novel volatility measure
computed in time-frequency space. We find statistically significant
differences, on average, in the volatility of a relatively small set of FCs,
most mapping to either the default mode network or the cerebellum, in the mid-
and high-frequency bands, and yielding higher volatility in subjects with high
levels of SIBs. Results suggest a distinct underlying profile for SIBs
involving multiple brain regions associated with rewards and emotions
processing. The work contributes to the identification of neural substrates
potentially underlying behavioral subtypes, and may help target interventions.

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