A stereotypical behavior is a repetive motor behavior with no obvious purpose. These behaviors are common with individuals on Autism specturm. Many refer to them as "self-stimulating" behaviors as they appear to be motivated by something in the self. Stereotypical behaviors can interfere with learning and attending to tasks. Thus, it is important that you seek professional assistance in treating them. In addition, they can also be a sign that something greater is happening in the body, such as illness or seizures. The behaviors will often time occur for a few weeks and then disapper only to resurface later on. The following are examples of stereotypical behaviors:
A complete understanding of the causes of stereotypical behaviors has yet to be discovered. Contrary to popular belief, these behaviors do not just serve a "sensory or self-stimulating" function. It is thought that these individuals do not get enough sensory input from the environment around them and, thus, with the behaviors are creating the additional input they seek. However, recent research demonstrates that these behaviors serve a variety of functions in addition to meeting an individuals sensory needs.
These behaviors may also serve as an escape from an instructional demand, attention from others and/or avoidance of social interaction, and to gain access to desired items and activities. The research also demonstrates these behaviors serve multiple functions instead of just one. Thus, the only way to understand the function of the behavior is conduct a functional analysis In addition, medical evaluations are necessary to rule out seizures and illness.
Sources: Kennedy, C., Meyer, K., Knowles,T., Shukla,S.(2000). Analyzing the multiple functions of stereotypical behaviors. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 33(4), 559-571.