Repetitive behaviors are one of autism’s core features and can be sensory or motor based, such as hand-flapping, or more cognitive in nature, such as intensely focused interests. Autistic people may engage in repetitive behaviors as a way to relieve anxiety or for fun — and for this reason, such behaviors deserve careful management.
Repetitive behaviors and autism
New thinking about repetitive behaviors suggests they provide stress relief and fun for autistic people; as such, these behaviors deserve careful management.
By
Emma Bryce
4 September 2020 | 1 min read
Animation by Lottie Kingslake; script by Emma Bryce
tags:
Recommended reading

New findings on Phelan-McDermid syndrome; and more
By
Jill Adams
2 September 2025 | 2 min read

Altered excitatory circuits in CHD8-deficient mice; and more
By
Jill Adams
26 August 2025 | 2 min read
Explore more from The Transmitter

Everything everywhere all at once: Decision-making signals engage entire brain
By
Claudia López Lloreda
3 September 2025 | 5 min read
Astrocyte networks span large swaths of brain
By
Calli McMurray
3 September 2025 | 5 min listen

From bench to bot: Why AI-powered writing may not deliver on its promise
By
Tim Requarth
2 September 2025 | 8 min listen
Cite this article: