An article on dealing with RRBs

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Love to hear what you think about this

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/rad ... t-redirect

In general, I believe that great care should be used when redirecting repetitive behaviors. I do think they serve a sensory need, and based on my reading I think if you try to extinguish them without replacing them with something, the child is apt to miss a type of regulation they need, and or possibly develop a more harmful one to replace it.

If a repetitive action is self-harming or to dangerous to others that is a whole other thing, and in that case it needs to be prioritized, but I still think you have to find something to replace it that the child will accept, that is not harmful, obviously.

If they are harmful in less obvious ways (like socially or academically) that is a tough one b/c obviously no one wants his/her child picked on, or having to be removed from class for disruptive stims) but on the other hand you have to make sure the child's regulation needs are met. So, I think the idea would be to replace it with something less stigmatizing, if possible.

I would not force it, or distress the child unless it is a safety issue.

I know there are also issues where the feeling is that it is self-reinforcing and blocks out time that could be used for acquiring necessary skills. There may be times where you might be able to try to get the child to decrease quantity of stimming and defer it while skills are taught. I really am very conservative about this because I really worry about the child adopting new and harmful stims.

Repetitive Behaviors are easy to change IF they come from the one 'behaving' and with a little foresight and care are very safe to change.

StabilizingAutism/what-par-can-do/stimming


Is this heresy?

I think that article promotes a very reasonable approach. The stimming behavior must evaluated in the context of other things going on around the child
I like eating donuts and taking naps too!

I think one thing that's absolutely ESSENTIAL for dealing with these kinds of behaviors (whether trying to deal with our own, or a child's) is that you find out WHY those behaviors occur. Very often, it is some kind of sensory need. And if it's someone else's behavior, quite likely one that you yourself don't need (even if you're also AS!) This means you must listen to the child, and the child must feel understood. AS children are MUCH, MUCH less likely to lie about those kinds of things than NT's.

I believe Dr. Ahearn is trying to take a more balanced look at the issue and he is trying to be objective. I do like his article as well. ASDMommyandASDKid I agree with you as well. If something had to be changed, it had to be changed in a very careful and controlled manner. If all one is doing is flapping his hands all day and this person can't get anything done I do believe some intervention is necessary for this person to have an excellent, happy and productive life.

I do have issues with ripping my cuticles by my fingernails which is not good. I have become a bit better about it but I still have it as a habit. The wound I cause myself can become infected if not treated properly. This is something I do try to work on but it is difficult.