Assessment and treatment of stereotypical behavior displayed by children with autism spectrum disorders

Abstract

This chapter provides definitions for various forms of motor and vocal stereotypy and describes some characteristics of individuals who display problematic levels of stereotypy. Thereafter, the chapter describes procedures for measuring, assessing, and treating stereotypy. Specifically, the chapter outlines several behavioral procedures for decreasing or eliminating stereotypy during leisure or free periods and academic work periods. In part, each procedure requires practitioners to identify one or more preferred items that either (a) compete directly with the client’s engagement in stereotypy or (b) are provided as a consequence for the client’s appropriate behavior. This chapter concludes by highlighting several practical limitations of each intervention and considerations for practitioners when selecting behavioral interventions to treat stereotypy.