Self-stimulatory behavior, sometimes manifested as genital touching, can be a common occurrence in children with autism spectrum disorder. This behavior serves various purposes, including self-soothing, sensory seeking, or a response to anxiety or boredom. Understanding the underlying reasons for this behavior is the first step in developing appropriate and effective strategies to address it.
Addressing this behavior is important for several reasons. Socially, it can lead to misunderstandings and potential stigmatization. From a developmental perspective, repeated engagement in this behavior may interfere with learning and the development of other skills. Historically, interventions have focused on suppression; however, current best practices emphasize understanding the function of the behavior and providing alternative, socially acceptable outlets for the child’s needs.
