18/08/2021
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What are the differences between Tics, Compulsive Behavior, and Self Stimulationβ
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Are your childβs repetitive behaviors tics, compulsive behaviors, or self-stimulation? The repetitive behaviors in all three conditions serve different functions. Tics are neurologically driven, often involuntary. They can be very jerky, not a smooth rhythmic pattern, and often involuntary. They usually involve motor muscle groups (eye blinking, facial twitching, etc.) or vocal noises, sniffing, throat clearing, or snorting type patterns. Usually, the child has multiple motor patterns and at least one vocal tic. They seem to serve no functional purpose for the child. The child may feel the βurgeβ coming on but have a difficult time stopping them. The child does not enjoy the tics and often feels frustrated in not being able to control them. Tics may come and go and often increase during times of stress.
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A true βcompulsive behaviorβ (as compared to a fixation) is driven by anxiety and often results from βobsessive thoughtsβ; hence the βobsessive (thought) compulsive (behavior)β link. The person feels driven to do it because of anxiety and will become more anxious if you block its occurrence. They are aware of and have some control over the behavior but feel βcompelledβ to do it. They often feel very anxious if they don't engage in the behavior. The person frequently does not like the behavior but feels driven to do it. If they donβt do it, they will feel more anxious. The disorder can consist of strong repetitive, obsessive thought patterns (intense worries, exaggerated fears, etc.), compulsive behavior patterns (washing hands over and over, repeatedly opening and shutting doors, compulsive orderliness, etc.), or both.
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Self-stimulation is a more voluntary, controlled sensory seeking to calm and organize the nervous system. These repetitive behaviors soothe and calm the nervous system when over-aroused, alert the nervous system when under-aroused, and block out unwanted stimulation when overwhelmed. They usually consist of repetitive βrhythmicβ movement, auditory or visual patterns. Self-stimulation is usually a voluntary pattern the child uses to help regulate his nervous system. Usually, if the behavior has a repetitive pattern, is rhythmic in nature, and feels good, it is not tics or OCD but self-stimulatory.
From βAutism Discussion Page on Anxiety, Behavior, School and Parenting Strategiesβ
