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Stereotypical Behavior
Updated on Wednesday, October 24, 2007
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:
- Gazing at items intensly and Holding Items Close to Eyes
- Extemes in Vocalizations, Crying and Laughing Uncontrollably
- Handflapping, Wrist Ringing, and Figerflicking
- Playing with Salava and Putting Fingers in Mouth
- Clenching and Grinding Teeth Repetitively
- Body rocking and Hopping and Bouncing on Bent Knees
- Spinning in circles and Fixated on Spinning Objects
- Sensory Fixations, Sniffing, Licking, and Feeling Items Repetitively
