Repetitive Behavior in Autistic Children

Repetitive behavior is also called as self stimulatory behavior. This behavior begins at 2-3 years of age. Repetitive behaviors occur as a result of their inability to participate in other activities. Exact cause of repetitive behavior in autistic children is not certain but it is believed that repetitive behavior is the result of abnormal development of certain areas of the brain. It is also believed that autistic children engage in repetitive behavior when they are excited or stimulated.

• Repetitive behavior of autistic children includes variety of activities. It may be repetitive movements, rigid or fixed routines, repetitive speech (Echolalia) or repetitive play.

• Children with autism tend to repeat certain movements of hands such as flapping of hands, flipping of fingers etc. Many autistic children are also engaged in repetitive movements in circle, turning lights on and off, moving from one room to another etc.

• Autistic children also exhibit a fixed routine. Any change in the same may make them upset. Some children may insist on eating with the same spoon, in the same plate, sitting at the same place and others may insist on going through the same way to the school. Any change in their routine will make the situation worse.

• Autistic children also show repetition in speech. They keep on repeating some previously heard words or phrases.

• Children with autism play with the same toys. Some autistic children may be obsessed about certain things such as digital watches, computers, lighthouses etc.

• Sometimes these repetitive behaviors may be self injurious such as self biting, self hitting or banging of head in the wall. They engage in self injurious activities as it is thought that they are sensitive to pain and they do not feel the pain when doing self injurious activities.

Repetitive behavior may be highly apparent or subtle in some autistic children. Treatment includes behavior analysis and some medications. Behavior analysis and therapy includes techniques to help the child to deal with a new event or new place. Parents should slowly adapt autistic children to new things and new environment. Moreover patience is must when dealing with autistic children in behavior management.

Parents can take help from professionals to deal with behavior management of autistic children.

Early detection of autism helps to initiate the treatment.

Prizant, B.M., & Duchan, J. (1981). The functions of immediate echolalia in autistic children. Journal of Speech and Hearing Disorders, 46, 241-249.

Prizant, B.M., & Rydell, P.J. (1984). Analysis of functions of delayed echolalia in autistic children. Journal of Speech and Hearing Research, 27, 183-192.