Parents discuss repetitive behaviours in Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome
Repetitive Behaviours in Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome
Stereotyped behaviours are defined as repetitive or ritualistic movement, posture or vocalisations. The behaviours can often appear to be apparently meaningless.
Repetitive and stereotyped behaviours are commonly reported in individuals with intellectual disabilities; however, research has shown that there are some repetitive behaviours that are more common in certain syndromes than in others. You can read background information on repetitive behaviour in our ‘common issues’ page here.
Repetitive behaviours appear to be common in individuals with Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome with an estimated 40% displaying ‘object stereotypy’ (twirling, twiddling, banging or twisting objects).
It has been suggested that around half of individuals with Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome display ‘hand stereotypy’ (hand flapping, wiggling of fingers) and present with a strong preference for routine.
It has also been reported that over 60% of individuals display ‘body stereotypy’ (body rocking, swaying, spinning and bouncing) and repetitive questioning.
You can download a research paper about this here
As mentioned previously, repetitive behaviours are associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); however, in ASD, there seems to be a broad range of repetitive behaviours that are shown frequently, in Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome specific types of repetitive behaviours are more common than others.
Watch a video of Dr Jane Waite discuss some helpful hints and tips for repetitive behaviour