Repetitive motions are actions repeated over and over again. They can involve part of the body or the entire body or even an object or toy. For instance, people with ASDs may spend a lot of time repeatedly flapping their arms or rocking from side to side. They might repeatedly turn a light on and off or spin the wheels of a toy car in front of their eyes. These types of activities are known as self-stimulation or “stimming.” Unusual behaviors such as repetitive motions may make social interactions difficult.

People with ASDs often thrive on routine. A change in the normal pattern of the day—like a stop on the way home from school—can be very upsetting or frustrating to people with ASDs. They may “lose control” and have a “melt down” or tantrum, especially if they’re in a strange place.

Also, some people with ASDs develop routines that might seem unusual or unnecessary. For example, a person might try to look in every window he or she walks by in a building or may always want to watch a video in its entirety—from the previews at the beginning through the credits at the end. Not being allowed to do these types of routines may cause severe frustration and tantrums. 

Here are some examples of repetitive behaviors-

• Lines up toys
• Plays with toys in same manner every time
• Is very organized
• Is rigid about routines or object placements
• Upset by changes
• Eat few foods or only certain textures
• Eats inedible things (pica)
• Smells food
• Insensitive to pain
• Unaware of danger (e.g., hot things)
• Tantrums for no apparent reason
• Has obsessive interests
• Hand flapping/finger flicking/toe walking
• Self-stimulation
• Likes spinning objects
• Likes to spin him/herself
• Likes parts of objects (e.g., wheels)
• Does not use toys appropriately (lines up cars by color rather that zooming them)
• Special areas of talent or expertise
• Perseveration
• Walks over things (e.g., toys) unaware