Stereotypies

Abstract

Stereotypies are defined as coordinated, patterned, repetitive, rhythmic, and seemingly purposeless movements that can occur involuntarily or in response to or induced by inner sensory stimulus or unwanted feeling (involuntary). Stereotypies are classically described in children with autism or autism spectrum disorders but stereotypies are also seen in healthy children as part of normal development and in adults in association with a wide variety of disorders, such as tardive dyskinesia. The pathophysiological mechanisms of stereotypies are not well understood, but antidopaminergic drugs such as tetrabenazine may be quite effective in controlling this hyperkinetic movement disorder.