What Parents Should Know About Motor Stereotypies

Motor stereotypies are rhythmic, repetitive movements, often developing in early childhood. Everyone engages in motor stereotypies to some extent, from tapping their legs to biting their nails. This short video explains the difference between these common movements from complex motor stereotypies in children, which can occur in those with autism or during typical development. Intervention is not always needed, but understanding motor stereotypies can be helpful in understanding a child's development trajectory. Learn more about the research underway in this area, and how to participate in a related study at the Yale Child Study Center. For more information, visit https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/chawarska.