Helping Kids With Autism Cope With Fidgeting

Understand Fidgeting as a Symptom of Autism

• Take time to understand the symptoms of autism. If your child has autism, her fidgeting behavior may be disturbing to others, such as her teacher or classmates. This may make it harder for her to make friendships, especially if she does not understand her own behavior.
  
  As her parent, it is important that you understand she is not fidgeting to purposely disturb others, but that this behavior is a symptom of autism. Your child is likely fidgeting because she is anxious, and punishing her for this behavior may only serve to worsen her anxiety. Act as her advocate to family, friends and teachers, so they can understand the behavior.

Talk About Fidgeting Behavior with Your Child

• Speak with your child about her fidgeting behavior, without blame or punishment. Your child may be unaware her behavior is distracting or annoying others. Talk to her about what the word "fidgeting" means and demonstrate examples of fidgeting behavior, such as drumming fingers, tapping a pencil or tapping your feet. Use concrete language, and avoid metaphors or exaggerated language, as this may be difficult for a child with autism to understand.

Offer Your Child Constructive Alternatives to Distracting Fidgeting

• Gather resources from stores and catalogs that sell products for special needs children. Many parents and teachers find success by using "fidgets" in the classroom -- quiet manipulatives or small toys that children can wiggle or play with when they are anxious, without making noise or disturbing others. Others find that the anxiety autistic children may feel can be partially alleviated by using a weighted blanket or vest during lessons. If your child's fidgeting is becoming distracting in the home or classroom, one of these options may work well to minimize problem behaviors and ensure they fidget quietly without disturbing their siblings or fellow students.

Work with Your Child to Modify Behavior Where Necessary

• While fidgeting is a symptom of autism and is not problematic on its own, the effect it can have on social interactions may be difficult for your child. You may want to design a special code word to use in your family if fidgeting is becoming excessive. You may also work to develop methods to work to minimize the behavior in the home, in a safe environment. Once it is mastered, you can choose to encourage the child to practice at school as well.

Seek Professional Assistance if Needed

• If your child is experiencing severe symptoms of autism and is uncomfortable or unhappy, you may want to consider seeking professional assistance. Medication or therapy may be able to help your child minimize their symptoms and enjoy a happier, more productive life.