Restricted, Repetitive Patterns of Behaviour, Interests, or Activities and Autism

Effects

Restricted and repetitive behaviours affect each autistic person (and their family and careers) in different ways. For example some autistic people

• may miss out on other activities because they are restricted to following their obsessions
• may upset other members of their family by insisting that things are done they want them to be done – such as where each member of the family can sit at mealtimes
• may be bullied or ostracised by their peers because their behaviours are seen to be odd or weird
• may become anxious, aggressive or violent if they are not allowed to follow their repetitive behaviour
• may become trapped by the behaviours, if they become self-reinforcing. The longer the behaviours persist, the more ingrained they are likely to become

However some autistic people may be able to utilise their obsessions and interests. For example, Temple Grandin was able to utilise her obsession with animals and machinery to become a professor of animal welfare.

Updated

16 Jun 2022