Experts in the field who have studied self-stimulatory behaviors have hypothesized that there are two primary reasons why individuals with autism engage in these unusual repetitive behaviors.
The first theory involves hyposensitivity, that is, the individual’s body craves stimulation. Basically, the self-stimulatory behavior serves to arouse one’s nervous system and provides the individual with some form of internal satisfaction. This is thought to be the result of a dysfunctional system in the brain and/or the nervous system.
The second theory involves the opposite function, that is, hypersensitivity. In this theory, self-stimulatory behaviors are not engaged in to excite one’s nervous system, but to calm one self. This could be the result of an environment that is over-stimulating and the individual with autism is experiencing sensory overload, therefore engages in self-stimulatory behaviors not to arouse the nervous system, but to block out the over-stimulating environment.
It might seem logical to simply intervene and try to stop the individual from engaging in the self-stimulatory behavior; however, this strategy is not recommended. Since the individual is engaging in these behaviors for a reason, if we attempt to interrupt and stop the behavior, it is possible that another behavior, that could possibly be more stigmatizing or even harmful, could develop.
If a self-stimulatory behavior interferes with the individual’s ability to pay attention to their environment and participate in important activities, there is a basis for concern. Intervention should involve looking at the sensory channel that is being stimulated and replacing the self-stimulatory behavior with another more socially acceptable behavior that will provide the same type of reinforcement.
Here are some common examples of self-stimulatory behaviors as they relate to sensory channels.
Visual: staring at lights, repetitive blinking, moving fingers in front of the eyes, hand-flapping
Auditory: tapping ears, snapping fingers, unusual vocalizations
Tactile: rubbing the skin with one’s hands or with another object, scratching
Vestibular: rocking front to back, rocking side-to-side
Taste: placing body parts or objects in one’s mouth, licking objects
Smell: smelling objects, sniffing people
By utilizing the technology of Clinical Neurofeedback, we can help you to deal with the
hyposensitivity or hypersensitivity issue. Clinical Neurofeedback training can deal with the root cause which is the brain arousal problem.
hyposensitivity or hypersensitivity issue. Clinical Neurofeedback training can deal with the root cause which is the brain arousal problem.
We will use a safe, non-invasive and no side effect method to peek into your brain and understand your brain arousal level. Feel free to contact us for an initial consultation
Source:
https://www.stvincentsspecialneeds.org/why-does-my-child-hand-flap-and-rock/
