Should self-stimulatory behaviors in people with autism be stopped?

Self-stimulatory behaviors in children, teens, and adults with autism can be soothing behaviors or excitable behaviors. If they are inappropriate, they can be decreased or replaced by other more socially-acceptable ones.

Some research has shown that these self-stimulatory behaviors can interfere with attention and learning. However, these behaviors can also be used effectively as positive rewards if a person is allowed to participate in this behavior following completion of a task. Exercise helps decrease these behaviors, as does providing an individual with a socially-appropriate forms of stimulation. Some drugs can be useful, for example, if a person is engaging in these behaviors to sooth anxiety.

No! Self-stimulatory behaviors are actually coping mechanisms because they create a point of focus which is controlled by the individual to help block out environmental stimuli that is causing pain and discomfort.

The challenge becomes how to support the individual to feel safe and comfortable and in control well enough to compromise; to tame and refine their "schtick" in order to suppress or minimize their repertoire of coping techniques, or to appreciate when, where and with whom it is okay to indulge. Substitutes that are more socially-acceptable (koosh balls, silly bands) may be offered as an option too.