Repetitive behaviors are one of autism’s core features and can be sensory or motor based, such as hand-flapping, or more cognitive in nature, such as intensely focused interests. Autistic people may engage in repetitive behaviors as a way to relieve anxiety or for fun — and for this reason, such behaviors deserve careful management.
Repetitive behaviors and autism
New thinking about repetitive behaviors suggests they provide stress relief and fun for autistic people; as such, these behaviors deserve careful management.
By
Emma Bryce
4 September 2020 | 3 min watch
Animation by Lottie Kingslake; script by Emma Bryce
tags:
Recommended reading
INSAR takes ‘intentional break’ from annual summer webinar series
By
Lauren Schenkman
30 June 2025 | 4 min read
Dosage of X or Y chromosome relates to distinct outcomes; and more
By
Daisy Yuhas
24 June 2025 | 2 min read
Explore more from The Transmitter
Xiao-Jing Wang outlines the future of theoretical neuroscience
By
Paul Middlebrooks
2 July 2025 | 112 min listen
Memory study sparks debate over statistical methods
By
Katie Moisse
2 July 2025 | 5 min read
Attention not necessary for visual awareness, large study suggests
By
Kristel Tjandra
1 July 2025 | 5 min read
Cite this article: