Dealing with Self Stimulation

Dealing with Self Stimulation
If your child's behavior's purpose is self stimulation (apparent lack of goal directed activity) a physical cause should be explored and if necessary appropriate substitutes will need to be learned and practiced. It is only necessary to eliminate self stimulatory behaviors in cases where the stereotopy interferes with the your child's learning or daily needs. Stimming (stereotopy)  may look like: rocking, hand flapping, waving fingers in front of face, scratching  repeatedly, biting themselves, grinding teeth, rubbing genitals, running hands under water for long periods of time, or any other repetitive movements or sounds. Self stimulation draws a person with autism deeper into themselves into their own autistic world, often making them unresponsive to the rest of the world. [CNN made a documentary called Autism is a World, that gives true insight to stimming behaviors from a woman who has severe autism.] This is a difficult behavioral drive to overcome, but it is crucial to manage, because you want your child to be able interact with other people and form meaningful relationships.
A self stimulating behavior could have an underlying physical reason, head banging could be the result of a head ache, masturbation could be the result of a yeast infection,  grinding teeth could be the result of  sore gums or teeth. Some people with autism cannot communicate what is going on with their bodies, so they invent their own ways to deal with different sensations and discomforts. Talk to your doctor about your concerns before trying to change the behavior.
Example: After going to the dentist and learning that Johnny has nothing wrong with his teeth except the damage the grinding is causing, a substitute behavior needs to be given to him to prevent further damage and to fulfill the sensory need grinding his teeth was meeting. Chewing gum could be an option at home (or at school, if the teacher allows) if he understands that gum isn't to be swallowed and belongs in the trash can once it is removed from his mouth. His Occupational therapist might be able to provide a rubber chewing device or a teething ring could be used. When he starts to grind his teeth remind him of his other options. A social story could be written to help him change this behavior.
Example: Johnny sits on the floor rocking back and forth while humming to his wiggling fingers. You call him many times and wave your hands at him but he does not respond. Johnny is definitely in his own world right now. He needs some physically and interactive activities to bring him into this world. Stand him up and play "Ring Around the Rosies" with him, have him jump and clap, rub his arms or legs vigorously or give him a vibrating toy, kindly, do what ever it takes to snap him out of it.
Once you have a behavioral plan set up at home, both parents need to follow it and you should let your child's teacher know how you handle different situations so when they occur at school they can be handled in the same manner. The consistency will help your child learn how to make the right choices faster. Some of these behavior suggestions might sound cold or uncaring, but it does your child more harm to not discipline them and not teach them how to make good choices. They already have a disadvantage socially, you need to help them understand how to behave so other children will be able to play with them and enjoy their company.

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