Dealing with Self-Stimulation Behaviors

Most of our "leisure activities" are nothing more than self-stimulation behaviors that have become highly ritualized over time and made socially acceptable.

There is nothing intrinsically valuable or reasonable about leisure pursuits such as bungee jumping, playing cards, dancing, playing video games, listening to music, smoking, etc.

People participate in these different activities because they find them to be pleasurable and because the activities alter their physical state.

Each activity provides us with a particular type of sensory input.

There is not necessarily a great difference in so-called self-stimulation behaviors and some of these activities, beyond the fact that some are more socially acceptable and "normal" in appearance than others.

Each of us, even those of us with more intact central nervous systems, tolerates differing degrees of stimulation.

Most parents find that their child is more likely to participate in self-stimulatory behaviors when he/she is idle or stressed.

Interacting with your child in some way may break up the self-stimulation.

If the behavior appears in response to stress, finding ways to help him relax (e.g., massage, being wrapped up in a quilt, etc.) may reduce the amount of time spent in the behavior you find inappropriate or harmful.

If your child is left alone; however, it is likely he/she will re-engage in this activity as soon as the opportunity presents itself.

Some behaviors may present problems because they are considered socially inappropriate.

These behaviors can be used as a way to explore the individual's preferred sensory channels for receiving information from the world.

With this information we may identify preferred sensory experiences around which we can develop more "mainstream" leisure activities that our children will also come to view as "leisure."

For example, if a child enjoys the visual sensation of lights we can find age-appropriate toys that might be motivating to him.

Take time to observe the types of self-stimulation that your child participates in and when this behavior occurs.

Watch him/her and make notes about what you see and when you see it. Then try to see if there is any pattern to these behaviors that would give you insight to the type
or types of stimulation he/she prefers and the purpose it serves.

At the same time note what types of activities he/she finds aversive.

When you have a good understanding about his/her preferences, begin to brainstorm ways that you can offer other stimulatory activities, modify or expand on the preferred self-stimulation.

Ask for help from your child's teacher, physio-therapist, occupational therapist, and others.

Look at children of the same age, and try to find toys or activities that may make the self-stimulatory behavior appear more "normal."

Sometimes your child's favorite self-stimulation activity can be modified or expanded in a way that will make it more socially acceptable.

The Parenting Autism Resource Guide: A Complete Resource Guide For Parents Who Have Children Diagnosed With Autism.