Motor Features - Sensory Seeking Part 1:
- Some of the more obvious characteristics of Autism are Motor Repetitions.
- They are sometimes referred to as “stimming”.
- These are often exaggerated movements, repeated rapidly for extended periods of time.
- A person may rock back and forth or pace in circles.
- A person may enjoy twirling and swinging for long periods of time without feeling any stomach upset.
- A person may enjoy moving fingers or objects in front his or her eyes.
- A person may enjoy banging doors, flicking light switches, and tapping on things.
- These activities can be very restrictive causing the individual to be unaware or unfocused on many other situations and items in their environment.
(Printable)
Motor Features - Sensory Seeking Part 2:
- Some of the more obvious characteristics of Autism are Motor Repetitions.
- They are sometimes referred to as “stimming”.
- These are often exaggerated movements, repeated rapidly for extended periods of time.
- A person may be drawn to his/her reflection in a mirror or a shiny object like a watch.
- A person may be drawn to the vibration of an appliance or the pressure of a large heavy beanbag chair.
- A person may enjoy mouthing and chewing on toys and other objects.
- A person may engage in hand biting or other self-injury and head banging.
- These activities can be very restrictive causing the individual to be unaware or unfocused on many other situations and items in their environment.
(Printable)
Motor Features - Object Use:
- One of the more obvious characteristics of Autism is unexpected and repetitive object use.
- They are sometimes referred to as “stimming”.
- These are often strong fixations and/or movements repeated rapidly for extended periods of time.
- Rather than using an object as it was intended, a person may spin a part on a toy, rock a toy back and forth, or tap the object.
- A person may choose to place toys in a line rather than individual in more expected ways.
- A person may carry an object for long periods of time without any functional use.
- A person may flick an object rather than use it as expected.
- These activities can be very restrictive causing the individual to be unaware or unfocused on many other situations and items in their environment.
(Printable)
Links to Resource/Research Information:
- Boyd, A., McDonough, S., Bodfish, J. Evidence-Based Behavioral Interventions for Repetitive
Behaviors in Autism. J Autism Dev Disord
. 2012 June ; 42(6): 1236–1248. doi:10.1007/s10803-011-1284-z.
- Deramus, M. Repetitive Behaviors and Anxiety in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Dissertation: University of Alabama, 2009.
- Donnellan, A., Hill, D., Leary, M. Rethinking Autism: Implications of Sensory and Movement Differences. Disability Studies Quarterly, Vol 30, No 1 (2010).
- Leekam, S., Prior, M., Uljarevic, M. Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Review of Research in the Last Decade. Psychological Bulletin, 2011, Vol 137, No 4, 562-593.
- Obsessions, repetitive behaviour and routines. The National Autistic Society, United Kingdom.
- Prizant, B. M. (2015) Uniquely Human. Simon & Schuster: New York, New York.
- Richler, J., The Development of Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors and Interests in Children with
Autism Spectrum Disorders. Dissertation: University of Michigan, 2007.
- Rudacille, D. New focus on repetition, obsession in autism studies. Spectrum, 2011.
- Troyb, E. Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors as Predictors of Outcome in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Dissertation, University of Connecticut, 2014.
- Watt, N., Wetherby, A., Barber, A., Morgan, L. Repetitive and Stereotyped Behaviors in Children with Autism
Spectrum Disorders in the Second Year of Life. J Autism Dev Disord
. 2008 September ; 38(8): 1518–1533. doi:10.1007/s10803-007-0532-8.
