The Five Functions of Behavior – Now What? Automatic or Self Stimulating

“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. ”

— Albert Einstein

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Hand Flapping

Chewing on hair or pencils

Spinning

Rocking

Biting fingers or skin

Audible noises

All of these are behaviors are motivated simply by the sensation they provide to the child. For me, these have been the hardest to attain long-term change either by punishment or positive reinforcement. I think part of the issue is that my children do not even realize they are doing them until I call them to their attention. Then, when I do call it to their attention, the behavior gets worse!

So, what can you do?

1. Provide more appropriate outlets for these behaviors. For example, when Hope is making rhythmic vocal noises, I will turn music on that she wants to sing to or give her gum. When Norah is chewing on her skin, I give her a chewable necklace to chew on. When Teague is tapping his pencil on the table, I ask him to go practice piano. Get creative here!

Sometimes it is hard to think of a replacement behavior, but remember that the goal is (1) to allow more socially appropriate behavior while (2) satisfying the child’s need for sensory stimulation. If you try one thing and it doesn’t work, try something else.

2. Positively reinforce the appropriate behavior! I cannot say this enough, you are trying to change a habit that “feels good” to them. This does not come easily. You will have to give them a lot of praise and reinforcement to get the new behavior to stick.

Sometimes, we use a timer to help with this strategy. For example, if we are doing math and Hope is making her distracting noises, I will ask her if she wants 5 or 7 minutes. We set a timer for that amount of time and if she succeeds at not making noise during that time, she gets a reward. Choose an amount of time that you believe the child can accomplish at first. Then you can increase the time slowly over time. Momentum = Success.

3. Often, these behaviors are due to the child’s need for sensory stimulation. As a result, simple physical exercise can be extremely helpful.

Put on a yoga video (we love Cosmic Kids Yoga on YouTube), ride bikes, do some CrossFit moves, Jump into some pillows, spin in a swing….
Take a look at my Break Activities Calm and Active ideas.
A moderate vibrating massager all over your child’s body, a light brush all over, joint compressions and massage may prove helpful as well!
We have what we call “Calming Bags” for each of our children and one for the family. It has things that the kids find calming like squeeze balls, squishy’s, chewy toys, pictures of helpful yoga moves, calming smells (oils), brushes for their skin and many others things. Find what works for your child and build them a calming bag.

4. There is certainly always a chance that their unwanted behavior has a medical cause that you don’t already know about or understand. If you believe this to be possible, certainly visit a doctor who can help provide guidance and more ideas.