What is insistence on sameness in autism?

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Insistence on sameness (IS) refers to complex patterns of rigid, routinised, and ritualistic behaviours that form a class of restrictive and repetitive behaviours (RRBs) and a diagnostic criterion for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) [1].

What are examples of repetitive behaviors?

Some common examples are body movements such as flicking fingers in front of one’s eyes, rocking back and forth, moving objects (opening and closing doors), or spinning in circles. More troubling repetitive behaviors are those that could injure the child, such as slapping himself over and over.

What is considered a repetitive behavior?

Repetitive behavior represents a broad range of responses that include stereotyped motor movements, self-injurious behavior, repetitive manipulation of objects, compulsions, rituals and routines, insistence on sameness, and circumscribed interests (Leekam et al.

What is considered repetitive behavior in autism?

So-called ‘lower-order’ repetitive behaviors are movements such as hand-flapping, fidgeting with objects or body rocking, and vocalizations such as grunting or repeating certain phrases. ‘Higher-order’ repetitive behaviors include autism traits such as routines and rituals, insistence on sameness and intense interests.

How does insistence on sameness and sensory sensitivities contribute to negative behaviors in students with ASD?

The need for sameness can make a person with an ASD look very rigid to the outside world. Family members may sometimes feel held hostage to certain routines or rituals, dreading the scene that will ensue if they interfere with them. This rigidity can have other social implications, as well.

Does ADHD cause repetitive behavior?

Repetitive behaviors are characteristic of a variety of disorders or dysfunctions of brain development, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).

What is restrictive behavior?

Definition. Behavior characterized by an abnormal limitation to few interests and activities. [ from HPO]

Does stimming mean autism?

Stimming does not necessarily mean a person has autism, ADHD, or another neurological difference. Yet frequent or extreme stimming such as head-banging more commonly occurs with neurological and developmental differences.