Topic: Repetitive behaviors and interests

Some of a child’s early symptoms of autism may be among the most puzzling to parents: hand-flapping, rocking, lining up toys, or finding the whirling blades of a fan more interesting than other things in their environment. Psychologists call these repetitive and restricted behaviors (or RRBs), and they are a main feature of autism. Research says they are “almost always present” in very young children with ASD and persist over time as the child grows. Learn about the research on RRBs and the community’s experiences.