When viewing the information on this page, remember that every child is an individual and all characteristics will not apply. The following excessive behaviors may be observed in children with autism:

A. Self-Stimulation

	Spinning themselves or objects
	Repetitive hand movements (Hand flapping, clapping or finger flicking)
	Humming in monotone
	Rocking
	Arranging and rearranging objects
	Twirling a string or ribbon with one hand
	Strobe effect: person moves hand between eyes and light, back and forth creating a strobe effect
	Hand gazing
	Jumping up and down
	Gazing at lights or at the ceiling
	Compulsive overeating
	Fascination with movement (Spinning wheels, computer activity, opening/closing doors, electric fans)

B. Oddity in mood

	Absence of emotional reaction
	Laughing, smiling or crying for no evident reason

C. Self-Abuse

	Head banging
	Finger, hand or wrist biting
	Hair pulling
	Eye-gouging
	Repeatedly hitting themselves
	Holding their breath until they faint
	Depression can occur in more high-functioning adults

D. Aggression

	Tantrums
	Screaming

E. Echolalia

	Repeating words and phrases heard with exact intonation creating a "parrot-like" effect
	Indicating "my turn" , "yes" or some other response/declaration.

F. Perseveration

	Verbal hyperactivity: repeating words or phrases over and over, at times increasing with stressful situations
	Fixations with specific objects or topics
	Restricted and recurring patterns of behaviors, interests and activities irregular in depth and focus

G. Change

	Showing distress when change occurs; like daily routines
	Inflexible adherence to routines or rituals
	Enjoyment of repetitive activities (Lining up the same number of objects the same way over and over)

H. Unusual Responses to Sensory Experiences

	High threshold for pain; May be unaware of injury
	Over sensitivity to sound, touch, lights or odors
	Abnormalities in eating (limits diet to certain foods, same time, same place every day)
	Pica: eats inappropriate objects like dirt or glass
	Sleep disorder (waking up and rocking)

I. Abnormalities in Posture

	Walking on tiptoes
	Odd body postures (Rocking, dipping or swaying)