Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders

Another characteristic of individuals with autism is a restricted or stereotyped pattern of activities, interests, and behaviors. Parents of young children with autism may notice that their children play with toys in an odd manner. Rather than using cars or blocks for pretend play, children with autism may prefer to line up toys according to attributes such as shape, size, or color. Children with autism may also become preoccupied with one part of a toy and their toy play may become restricted (e.g., spinning the wheel of a toy truck over and over).

Changes in routines can also be difficult for individuals with autism. Children with autism often exhibit a desire for sameness in their environment. Disruptions in daily routines, or rearranging furniture in a common room can precipitate behavior problems (e.g., crying, tantruming) in children with autism.

As listed in the DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria, restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior associated with autism include:

1. encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restreicted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus
2. apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals
3. stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g., hand or finger flapping or twisting, or complex whole body movements)
4. persistent preoccupation with parts of objects