Repetitive Behavior

Autism is more of a set of cognitive disorder than a disease. It is characteristically a brain development disorder in which an individual loses the ability to interact with others. The loss of effective communicative skills is accompanied by esoteric and stereotyped or repetitive behavior. The tell-tale signs of autism are seen very early in an infant's life, normally well before 2-3 years. It might be noted that Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are distinctly different from autism. The former is of a mild and less harmful nature.

The causes of this disease are not very well defined as yet. Some researchers have come up with genetic theories in an attempt to unravel the mystery surrounding this disorder. The complex genetic structure is yet to be deciphered. Some suggest that autism is related to agents that cause birth defects. Overdose of vaccines is believed to be another reason behind this deadly and extremely unfortunate disorder. It is unfortunate because whoever gets struck with autism never recovers from it fully. Timely diagnosis and proper care can only keep things under a tolerable limit. But the autistic children no longer gather enough power to lead live on their own terms. They need to depend heavily on their parents and near ones.

Repetitive behavior is a crucial autistic characteristic. The extent to which an autistic patient is likely to repeat his or her actions differs according to the severity of the symptoms. It has been seen that in cases of milder forms, repetitive behavior is limited to pedantic involvements and an strange affinity to typically narrow or esoteric interests. Those who are grimly affected by this disorder go through a terrible time with syndromes such as involuntary flapping of hands, swaying of head or the entire body and so on. Needless to mention, these aspects are quite nerve-racking for the close ones of the patient. Seeing your child in such a pitiful state is difficult to bear. And what makes it worse is that you cannot do a thing to help out your ailing kid.

Autistic patients demonstrate several types of handicapped or repetitive behavior traits. These traits are classified into the following types:

Compulsive behavior – Compulsive behavior is characterized by an inclination to put things in an orderly pile or line.

Stereotypy – It is one of the commonest of signs in terms of repetitive behavior. Patients indulge in apparently senseless or pointless movements like body rocking, flapping of hands or head rocking.

Ritualistic behavior – Ritualistic behavior is marked by a strong desire to stick to certain ways of going about one's business, especially with regards to day-to-day activities like dressing or eating.

Self-injury – It is a potentially dangerous sign which is developed in a few patients of autism. The movements can injure a person to any extent. Studies have shown that 30% children suffering from autism tend to show syndromes of self-biting.

Restricted behavior – Restricted behavior is involved with esoteric or idiosyncratic affinities such as obsession with a particular television program and so on.