In my years of working with kids, I’ve seen a wide range of behaviors, but the repetitive behaviors in children with autism always fascinate me. These behaviors, often called “stimming,” are a core feature of autism. They’re repetitive movements or sounds that individuals with autism use to self-regulate or express themselves. I remember working with a 5-year-old boy who would spin in circles for minutes on end, finding joy and comfort in the repetitive motion. His parents were concerned, but once we understood the purpose behind the behavior, we could better support him. In this article, we’ll explore 10 common examples of repetitive behaviors in autism. We’ll discuss what these behaviors look like, why they occur, and how you can support your child. By understanding these behaviors, you’ll be better equipped to create a supportive environment for your child with autism.
Table of Contents
1. Hand Flapping
Hand flapping is one of the most recognizable examples of repetitive behaviors in autism. It involves rapid hand movements, often at shoulder height or above. I’ve seen kids flap their hands when they’re excited, overwhelmed, or trying to concentrate.
For many children with autism, hand flapping serves as a way to:
- Express emotions: Particularly excitement or anxiety
- Self-regulate: Calming themselves in overwhelming situations
- Focus: Helping to concentrate on a task or conversation
2. Rocking Back and Forth
Rocking is another frequently observed repetitive behavior in autism. This can involve rocking while sitting, standing, or even lying down. I once worked with a 7-year-old girl who would rock back and forth whenever she was working on a challenging puzzle. It seemed to help her focus and stay calm.
Rocking serves several purposes for children with autism:
- Self-soothing: Providing a rhythmic, calming sensation
- Sensory input: Offering vestibular stimulation
- Stress relief: Helping to manage anxiety or overstimulation
Goally | The Tablet for Neurodiverse Kids
3. Echolalia (Repeating Words or Phrases)
Echolalia is a verbal form of repetitive behavior where a child repeats words, phrases, or sounds they’ve heard. This can be immediate (repeating something right after hearing it) or delayed (repeating something heard hours or days ago). I remember a 6-year-old boy who would recite entire scenes from his favorite cartoon when he was feeling stressed.
Echolalia serves several functions:
- Communication: Expressing needs or responding to questions
- Processing language: Helping to understand and internalize speech
- Self-regulation: Providing comfort through familiar sounds
According to a study in the Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, echolalia is present in up to 75% of verbal children with autism.
4. Lining Up Objects
Many children with autism enjoy arranging objects in lines or patterns. This could be anything from toy cars to food items. I once worked with a 4-year-old who would meticulously line up her crayons by color before starting to draw. This behavior seemed to give her a sense of control and predictability.
Lining up objects serves several purposes:
- Creating order: Bringing predictability to their environment
- Visual stimulation: Enjoying the visual pattern created
- Calming activity: Reducing anxiety through repetitive actions
Read more: When Not to Worry About Autism | A Parent's Guide
5. Spinning Objects
Spinning objects is another common repetitive behavior in autism. This might involve spinning the wheels of a toy car, twirling a pencil, or even spinning themselves. I’ve worked with many children who found great joy in watching objects spin, sometimes for extended periods.
Spinning objects can serve several functions:
- Visual stimulation: Providing an engaging visual input
- Sensory seeking: Satisfying a need for motion and movement
- Stress relief: Offering a calming, repetitive action
6. Repetitive Body Movements
Beyond hand flapping and rocking, children with autism may engage in other repetitive body movements. These can include finger flicking, toe walking, or body tensing. I remember a 9-year-old boy who would repeatedly tense and relax his arm muscles when he was thinking hard about something.
These repetitive body movements often serve to:
- Release energy: Expending excess physical or emotional energy
- Improve focus: Helping to concentrate on tasks or conversations
- Provide sensory input: Offering proprioceptive feedback
7. Insistence on Sameness
While not a physical repetitive behavior, the insistence on sameness is a form of repetitive behavior in routines and environments. This might manifest as always wanting to take the same route to school, eating the same foods, or becoming upset when furniture is rearranged. I’ve worked with many families to help them understand and navigate this need for consistency.
The insistence on sameness serves several purposes:
- Reducing anxiety: Providing predictability in an often unpredictable world
- Creating comfort: Offering a sense of control and safety
- Simplifying decision-making: Reducing the need to process new information
8. Repetitive Use of Objects
Children with autism might use objects in repetitive or unusual ways. For instance, I’ve worked with kids who would repeatedly open and close doors, or turn light switches on and off. One child I knew was fascinated with spinning the wheels of his toy cars but showed little interest in playing with the cars in a typical way.
This repetitive use of objects can serve to:
- Provide sensory input: Offering visual, auditory, or tactile stimulation
- Create predictability: Knowing exactly what will happen with each repetition
- Express interests: Focusing on the aspects of objects they find most engaging
Read more: 5 Summer Crafts for Kids
9. Repetitive Speech Patterns
Beyond echolalia, some children with autism may engage in other forms of repetitive speech. This might include asking the same questions over and over, even when they know the answer, or using certain phrases repeatedly. I once worked with a young girl who would say “It’s okay, it’s okay” whenever she encountered something new or potentially stressful.
Repetitive speech patterns can serve to:
- Seek reassurance: Confirming information or emotions
- Self-soothe: Using familiar phrases for comfort
- Process information: Repeating to better understand or remember
10. Intense, Focused Interests
While not a physical repetitive behavior, many children with autism develop intense, focused interests in specific topics or objects. These interests often involve repetitive engagement with the subject. I’ve worked with kids who could recite every detail about dinosaurs, memorize train schedules, or spend hours arranging and rearranging their rock collection.
These intense interests serve several purposes:
- Providing enjoyment: Engaging in topics they find genuinely fascinating
- Creating expertise: Developing deep knowledge in areas of interest
- Offering comfort: Returning to familiar, enjoyable topics when stressed
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Understanding these examples of repetitive behaviors in autism can help you better support your child. Remember, these behaviors often serve important functions for children with autism, helping them navigate a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming or unpredictable. By recognizing and respecting these behaviors, while also working with professionals to ensure they don’t interfere with daily life, you can create a supportive environment where your child can thrive. Each child with autism is unique, and their repetitive behaviors may manifest in different ways. The key is to observe, understand, and respond with patience and compassion.
Helpful Resources
FAQ’s About Examples of Repetitive Behaviors in Autism
What are repetitive behaviors in autism?
Repetitive behaviors in autism, often called "stimming," are actions or movements that individuals with autism repeat frequently to self-regulate or express themselves.
Why do children with autism engage in repetitive behaviors?
Children with autism engage in repetitive behaviors to self-soothe, manage sensory input, express emotions, or improve focus in overwhelming situations.
What are some common examples of repetitive behaviors in autism?
Common examples include hand flapping, rocking, echolalia, lining up objects, spinning objects, and insistence on sameness in routines.
Are repetitive behaviors in autism harmful?
Most repetitive behaviors are not harmful and serve important functions, but if they significantly interfere with daily activities or cause physical harm, consult a healthcare professional.
How can parents support their child's repetitive behaviors while promoting development?
Parents can provide a safe environment for these behaviors while working with professionals to gradually introduce alternative coping mechanisms and expand the child's repertoire of behaviors and interests.
Emily is a seasoned blog writer for Goally, leveraging her extensive background in child psychology and special education to provide valuable insights and resources for parents. Her commitment to understanding and addressing the unique needs of these children, combined with her expertise in educational strategies, makes her a credible and empathetic voice for families.
