Vocal stimming can occur for a variety
of reasons. Depending upon the vocalizations, if it has a rhythmic
pattern to it, children simply enjoy the sound of the vocalizations, the
vibration they feel from vocalizing, and the cause and effect from
being able to control the rhythmic pattern of stimulation. And then
for other children, vocal stimming can used to calm the child
when over-aroused, and alert the child when under-aroused. It can occur
when they are over-excited, or again when bored. It is used to calm
and organize the nervous system. It can also be a coping skill for
blocking out unwanted stimulation. I find that vocal stimulation is
often just a fun rhythmic pattern that is fun to produce, listen to, and
feel. It is predictable and easy for the child to control. In some
cases where the vocal stimming is repeating words or phrases, it can
also be a way for the child to practice saying words in fun patterns.
Self stimulation is one of those behaviors that is not inherently bad,
but may be annoying or interfering at certain times, and under certain
conditions. For example it may be fine to vocal stem at home, but not at
the movies. It is not the behavior itself that is bad, just undesirable
at certain times and places. What you want to do is teach the child
under what conditions it is allowable (at home, when alone, etc.), and
which conditions it is not allowed (classroom, movies, group activities,
etc). Help the child learn when it is allowable, and when and where it
is not appropriate. You don’t have to stop the behavior, just teach
when and where it is appropriate.
1. Make a few rules around
engaging in vocal stim. You might want to write a social story around
when it is appropriate and when it is not. Make sure to acknowledge and
validate the importance the stimming has for the child, while teaching
him when and where it is appropriate.
2. Review these rules
frequently, especially before entering into events where vocal stim is
not acceptable. Let him know when it is not acceptable, but also when
and where it will be allowable. If the setting, or activity, has a
place and time for which the child can engage in the stimming, then
review that with him.
3. At the times when vocal stimming is
not appropriate, try and provide a oral substitute like chewing gum. If
you frequently use chewing gum, then it can become a cue that “When I
chew gum I do not stem”. Tell the child to chew instead of vocalize.
Stay close by and periodically praise the child for not stemming. If the
child starts to stem, calmly redirect him to stop and chew his gum
instead. If the child is older you might want to use a gestural cue like
putting you finger up to your mouth to signify "stop stemming." If he
stops, wait a minute and then praise him for not stemming. If he keeps
stemming, "stop the action" until he stops, or briefly move him away
from the fun activity until is stops. Over time the child learns when it
is appropriate and when it is not appropriate to stem. However, I tend
not to use punishment, only redirect, and reinforce desired behavior.
4. When entering stressful situations, if the vocal stimming is used
to either mask or avoid stimulation, or to cope with being overwhelmed,
than identify an safe area where the child can go to stem and regroup as
needed. By very aware of your child’s state of being, and whether the
vocalizing is for fun or coping with stress. Respect the need behind
the stimulation before trying to suppress it.
I usually try to
attack an issue cognitively, emotionally, and behaviorally. So, in this
case you want to (cognitively) work with him in understanding the effect
his behavior has on others (social story) as well as there is a time
and place for stemming, recognize the (emotional or sensory) function
the behavior serves for him, and try to provide an appropriate
alternative behavior (chewing gum) to take it's place.
Many
children on the spectrum are attracted to repetitive, rhythmic patterns.
For them the rhythmic sound and vibration, and the sense of
controlling it, is very inviting. For these children it holds strong
sensory value for them. At the times when the vocal stim is allowable,
try engaging in the vocal stimming with your child. Use it to “engage”
with the child, imitating and animating his vocalizations. This shows
the child you value what he is attracted to, and wish to share the
experience with him. Once you have his interest, try to add little
variations to it, and see if you can get him to copy you. Try to expand
the pleasant vocalizations for greater enjoyment.
We all have
our own forms of self stimulation (biting nails, playing with our hair,
doodling, tapping our feet, humming, smoking, etc.), which serves the
function of regulating our nervous system. Most self stimulation,
unless it is injurious, is functional and adaptive, and not inherently
bad and something to suppress. However, over time the child learns what
self stimulation is allowable in public, and which stim needs to occur
in privacy. Never stop the behavior, without providing a substitute,
and teach when and where it is appropriate. We will all live more
comfortably, while respecting each other’s individual needs.
http://www.facebook.com/autismdiscussionpage
No comments:
Post a Comment