Does My Child Have Stereotypic Movement Disorder?

Does your child show repetitive, seemingly driven, and apparently purposeless motor behavior (e.g., hand shaking or waving, head banging, self-biting, hitting own body)?

Does the repetitive motor behavior interfere with social, academic, or other activities, and may it result in self-injury?

Did the symptoms start in the early developmental period?

Can you confirm that the repetitive motor behavior is not attributable to the effects of a substance or neurological condition and is not better explained by another neurodevelopmental or mental disorder (e.g., hair-pulling disorder, obsessive- compulsive disorder)?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that your child has stereotypic movement disorder.

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that your child has stereotypic movement disorder. Stereotypic movement disorder is characterized by repetitive, purposeless movement. A child will only be diagnosed with this disorder if the repetitive movement causes distress and have a negative impact on its daily functioning.

Unfortunately, your child is displaying symptoms typically seen among individuals who have stereotypic movement disorder. It may be important to take your child to the doctor. The doctor will perform a medical history and physical exam to rule out other problems that may cause the symptoms. Afterwards, he will decide if treatment is necessary. Treatment for this type of disorder usually includes psychotherapy and behavioral interventions to control the movements. The child will be taught to change its behavior by using positive reinforcement. Medication may also help, although it is not preferable in kids with milder forms of the disorder. The earlier the treatment, the better the outcome.