What are Stereotypic Behaviors and How they are Managed in ABA?

Stereotypic behaviors, also known as stereotypies, are repetitive, ritualized movements or behavior patterns that do not have an obvious social or adaptive function. These behaviors can include rocking, hand-flapping, repetitive body movements, repetition of words or phrases (echolalia), and other ritualized behaviors. Stereotypies are common in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disorders.

Characteristics of Stereotypic Behaviors

Stereotypic behaviors can vary widely in their presentation but often share some common characteristics:

• Repetitiveness: They are consistently repeated and may seem automatic.
• Ritualization: They often follow a fixed pattern.
• Lack of Apparent Function: They do not have a clear purpose in a social or adaptive context.
• Self-Generated: They are initiated by the person themselves and are not triggered by specific external stimuli.

Causes and Theories

Although the exact causes of stereotypic behaviors are not fully understood, there are several theories:

• Self-Reinforcement: These behaviors may provide sensory stimulation that is pleasurable or regulating for the person.
• Stress Reduction: They may be a way to manage anxiety or stress.
• Sensory Processing Deficits: Some individuals may have hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to certain sensory stimuli and use these behaviors to balance their sensory experiences.

Managing Stereotypic Behaviors in ABA

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a widely used methodology to address and manage stereotypic behaviors. ABA is based on principles of learning and behavior modification through scientific techniques.

However, it is important to note that ABA only addresses stereotypic behaviors in autism when they pose a risk to the client. For example, if the patient has the behavior of hitting a part of their body, biting themselves, or causing self-harm in general.

Additionally, stereotypic behaviors are addressed by ABA if they interfere with the client’s life. For example, if the client flaps their hands so much that it prevents them from eating or doing other daily activities.

Stereotypies are not targeted if the client only has them as part of a diagnosis or at a low frequency that does not cause a problem in life. However, parents can be taught how to reinforce alternative behaviors and the client can learn some self-regulation techniques.

It is also worth noting that in many cases when a stereotypy is addressed, it may decrease, but others can appear. Therefore, specialists assess whether to address a stereotypy in terms of its intensity and frequency.

Stereotypies are one of the aspects that most concern parents due to social issues. Often parents want autistic children to resemble others. Therefore, it is essential to normalize that certain autism diagnoses come with both physical and verbal stereotypies.

Specific ABA Methods for Managing These Behaviors:

1. Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA):
   • Before intervening, it is crucial to perform a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA). This assessment helps identify the function of the stereotypic behavior, i.e., the “why” the person engages in this behavior. Common functions include seeking sensory stimulation, task avoidance, seeking attention, or access to desired objects.
2. Function-Based Interventions:
   • Behavior Replacement: Teaching the person an alternative behavior that serves the same function as the stereotypic one but is more adaptive.
   • Differential Reinforcement: Reinforcing alternative or incompatible behaviors while ignoring or not reinforcing the stereotypic behavior.
   • Environmental Modification: Making changes in the environment to reduce the need for stereotypic behavior, such as providing more sensory stimulation or modifying task demands.
3. Specific Techniques:
   • Positive Reinforcement: Reinforcing positive and alternative behaviors.
   • Waiting Time: Gradually increasing the time the person can go without engaging in the stereotypic behavior using reinforcers.
   • Communication Skills Training: Improving communication skills can reduce stereotypies, especially if they are an inappropriate form of communication.
   • Response Blocking: In some cases, physical blocking or redirection can be used to interrupt the stereotypic behavior. (This technique is only used with parental consent and when other techniques have not worked. Additionally, it may be employed when the stereotypies pose a threat to the client’s or others’ health).

Conclusion

Stereotypic behaviors can be challenging for both the individuals who exhibit them and their caregivers and therapists. However, with proper assessment and the implementation of ABA-based strategies, these behaviors can be effectively managed and reduced. The ultimate goal is to improve the person’s quality of life by helping them develop more adaptive and functional behaviors.