REPETITIVE BEHAVIOR

REPETITIVE BEHAVIOR

Repetitive behaviors are common symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Many parents and caregivers worry about their child or ward whenever they are constantly doing things in repetitive manner.

I can relate to that. My little brother loves to line up bottles of water by the side of his bed. Sometimes, he goes back and forth in walking. It's something really difficult to understand.

Repetitive behaviors include arm or hand-flapping, finger-flicking, rocking, jumping, spinning or twirling or head-banging and complex body movements.

This is known as 'stimming' or self-stimulating behavior.

What we don't know is that these behaviors can be used to deal with stress and anxiety. Many people with autism feel very anxious when asked to change their routine or schedule. My little brother hates it when we change his routine and often reacts in an extreme manner.

These behaviors vary from individual to individual. Some people say things over and over again; some perform these behaviors physically by jumping or walking. Some extreme behaviors are head banging and face-slapping.

Repetitive behaviors are also tools for self-calming but they can be dangerous. It can become problematic when it gets in the way of daily activities, especially in working or education.

It is important to intervene early on these behaviors. Repetitive behaviors are harder to change the longer they continue. I can remember the constant efforts it took to stop my brother from lining bottles in his room.

Autistic people should be encouraged to reduce or stop the behavior before they reach a certain age where it’s no longer acceptable.

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