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What Parents Should Know About Complex Motor Stereotypies
Complex motor stereotypies, or stereotyped movements, are repetitive and rhythmic movements
that usually start in early childhood and often continue into adulthood. The movements may
include hand flapping, waving, rotating or tensing of body parts, and are observed just as
frequently in both boys and girls. It is worth noting that children often develop their own
"signature" movement patterns. Some may flap their arms while walking in circles, while others
may repeatedly shrug their shoulders or tense their hands. Complex motor stereotypies may be
distinguished from simple motor stereotypies. The latter are common in early childhood, and
include nail biting, tapping or fidgeting, and usually disappear as children grow older. Complex
motor stereotypies are frequently observed in children with autism, developmental delays,
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ADHD], anxiety, and some neurological conditions.
However, they also occur in children who are developing typically.
Source: Autism Advocate Parenting Magazine