Strategies - Repetitive Behaviors

Repetitive behaviors are behaviors that people do or say over and over again. 

Why do people do these behaviors?

• To soothe or calm themselves
• To even out or regulate sensory input
• To feel a greater sense of control
• To express anxiety or frustration
• To reduce boredom

Many people engage in some mild forms of repetitive behavior that are socially acceptable.  These behaviors are okay to do in most settings.  Here are some examples of acceptable repetitive behaviors:

• Nail biting
• Pen chewing
• Gum chewing
• Foot tapping
• Listening to a favorite song repeatedly

However, some repetitive behaviors are less "socially acceptable" than others.  They are considered less socially acceptable because most people don’t do them.  That means you could stand out or look different when doing these behaviors.  Some people call these repetitive behaviors "perseverative" or "self-stimulatory" ("stimming").  These less socially acceptable behaviors might include:

• Pacing
• Rocking
• Flapping hands
• Scripting (repeating lines over and over from a movie, song, tv show, etc.)
• Babbling
• Spinning
• Jumping
• Asking the same questions over and over
• Making odd noises (i.e. grunting)
• Smelling objects
• Sniffing hands
• Licking or mouthing objects
• Grinding teeth
• Lining up objects
• Prolonged gazing /staring at objects

You might need to engage in a repetitive behavior in order to feel more calm and regulated.  It is okay if you need to do a repetitive behavior, just be aware that there are certain social "norms" (rules) to follow:

When you are at work, you should avoid displaying these repetitive behaviors in front of supervisors, co-workers, or customers.  Other people might think these behaviors are strange, rude, or frightening.

Schedule a specific time and a specific private place to engage in a repetitive behavior.  You should schedule this to happen at home or in a private place at work. 

Place a limit on the length of time you have to engage in the behavior.  Use a watch or timer to monitor this. 

Place a limit on the frequency (how often) of the repetitive behavior. 

Make a contract or plan, and stick to it! 

Get help from someone who knows you (i.e. parent, teacher, mentor, coach, therapist).  This plan only works if you "buy in."  This means that you need to participate in the development of the contract and agree to the terms of the contract. 

Check out these examples of repetitive behavior contracts:

• Example 1
• Example 2 with pictures
  
  

You might need to engage in a repetitive behavior in order to feel more calm and regulated.  It is okay if you need to do a repetitive behavior, just be aware that there are certain social "norms" (rules) to follow: When you are at work, you should avoid engaging in these repetitive behaviors.  Other people might think these behaviors are strange, rude, or frightening. Schedule a specific time and a specific private place to engage in a repetitive behavior.  You should schedule this to happen at home only.  Make a plan / contract and stick to it.  Ask for help from someone who knows you well.  Place a limit on the length of time you have to engage in the behavior.  Use a watch or timer to monitor this.  Place a limit on the frequency (how often) of the repetitive behavior.