Motor Stereotypies

Motor stereotypies are rhythmic, repetitive, fixed movements that have no purpose. These types of movements are common especially in children that are in the ages of 2 to 5. About 60% of children in this age range have some form of motor stereotypies. Movements are usually not harmful. They occur when a child is excited, stressed, frustrated, bored, or engrossed in imagination. Movements can happen multiple times a day and last from seconds to minutes. The movements are involuntary and sometimes your child will not even be aware that they are doing them. Motor stereotypies can occur in healthy children, and they can also be an effect caused by an underlying condition such as autism, or difficulties with learning, speech, and coordination.

Common repetitive movements are hand flapping, body rocking, head nodding, hair twirling, nail biting, or thumb sucking. Non-specific sounds, finger wriggling, wrist twirling, or mouth stretching or more complex movements. A child may or may not be aware that they are doing the movement. Movements do not change overtime. These movements tend to happen in increased stress, anxiety, excitement, focused concentration, or boredom.

Health care providers look at motor stereotypies in a few different categories. Simple motor stereotypies are common behaviors. These usually do not interfere with a person’s ability to function. Examples of these movements are nail biting, leg bouncing, and hair twirling. Complex motor stereotypies include movements like hand flapping, body rocking, and mouth and face movements. These movements usually start around age three and continue through adolescence into adulthood. These complex movements may affect one’s ability to function. After categorizing simple or complex a healthcare provider will look at the two different types. The first type is primary motor stereotypies. This type occurs with no other underlying condition or cause. Secondary motor stereotypies is when the movement is part of a condition, like autism spectrum disorder, or neurodevelopmental delay.

The exact cause of motor stereotypies is unknown. It does seem to be based on genetics in some cases. The movements never really go away. A child when they start to grow up may become more socially aware which may decrease how often the movements happen. Over time your child with guidance may become more aware of their motor stereotypies and learn to self manage. This can be done by allowing the movement to happen at specific times and in specific places, like in the home. Habit reversal training has been shown to be effective. This is teaching the child to become more aware of when they have the urge to perform the movement. And instead of them doing their motor movement, replacing it with a new response. This is successful when practiced regularly. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or talk therapy, can also be beneficial. This can help when the motor stereotypy is performed due to anxiety or worry. To find other ways to cope with emotions, or stress can help decrease the need to perform the movement. Medication is not recommended for motor stereotypies that do not have another underlying cause or condition.

Stereotypic movement disorder is a condition. This is when the movement behavior is not caused by an underlying condition or from a side effect of medication or a substance. This condition has a criteria that a doctor can check for when being diagnosed. Other types of motor stereotypies do not have an exact diagnosing test. To have stereotypic movement disorder you must have all of the following; movement that is present for at least four weeks, movement that interferes with social, or academics, or causes self injury, and has no medical explanation. This condition is rare. Movements can cause self injury like, biting, or scratching. If movements do not cause self harm they usually are nothing to be concerned about. Stereotypic movement disorder will go into adulthood. When someone with stereotypic movement disorder is stopped in making their movement they can become frustrated or angry.

All motor stereotypies are a way to classify repetitive, meaningless movements. They are usually not harmful. Common movements are hand flapping, body rocking, thumb sucking, nail biting, or head nodding. These are common motor developments in children between the ages of 2-5. Your child will most likely decrease their need to do their motor stereotypies as they become older and more socially aware. Getting awareness of their motor stereotypies, and learning new ways to cope with worry and stress can also be helpful in breaking the habit. Motor stereotypies can happen in healthy children or children that have an underlying condition or delay. These movements tend to happen at times of increased stress, anxiety, excitement, focused concentration, or boredom.