If your autistic child will not sit still you are not alone, this is a relatively common characteristic. In this article we explore the reasons behind the behaviour.

Autism and sitting still

In a world that often expects stillness and conformity, it is crucial to recognise and empathise with the challenges faced by autistic children.

There can be a variety of reasons why some autistic children may have difficulty sitting still.

The first thing which is always worth remembering each child is unique and may have different needs and behaviours.

With that said however there are often commonalities among autistic children so here are some possible reasons;

Sensory processing issues

Some autistic children may have sensory processing issues, which can affect their ability to sit still.

Sensory processing issues in layman’s terms refer to difficulties in processing and responding to sensory information from the environment.

A child with sensory processing issues may have a hard time sitting still because they are sensitive to textures.

Or it could be because they have a hard time regulating their own body movements.

Autistic children often find it challenging to filter and process sensory stimuli in the same way as their neurotypical peers.

While some people may feel comfortable in noisy environments or bustling classrooms, these environments can be overwhelming for autistic children.

The constant bombardment of sounds, sights, and even physical sensations can trigger a heightened state of alertness and discomfort.

Imagine being in a room where the hum of fluorescent lights feels like a persistent buzz.

Or where the scraping of chairs or the rustling of papers sounds like a roaring thunderstorm, and where even the subtlest touch of clothing against the skin feels abrasive.

It’s an experience that can be difficult for neurotypical individuals to fathom, but for autistic children, it can be their daily reality.

Difficulty with executive functioning

Executive functioning refers to a set of mental skills that help us plan, organise, and complete tasks.

Some autistic children may have difficulty with these processes , which can make it challenging for them to sit still for extended periods of time.

Self regulation challenges

Self-regulation refers to the ability to control your emotions, thoughts, and behaviours.

Some autistic children may have difficulty with self-regulation, which can make it hard for them to sit still and attend to tasks.

For example if a group of children are tasked to colour in a picture, an autistic child may struggle and want to get up and move.

Sensitivity to change

Some autistic children may be sensitive to change, and may have difficulty sitting still when they are in a new environment or when their routine is disrupted.

Life can be confusing for an autistic child so having a set routine provides comfort and reassurance.

Should a routine be disrupted then that can trigger an inability to sit still.

Issues with focus and attention

Some autistic children, may have difficulty sitting still when they are interested in what is going on around them.

Naturally it is dependent on the child and their individual interests but it could be at meal times they instead are fixated on toy trains.

Communication struggles

Beyond the sensory challenges, restlessness in autistic children can also be a manifestation of anxiety, boredom, or difficulty with communication.

Imagine being unable to express your thoughts and feelings in a way that others can readily understand.

Frustration and pent-up energy may find an outlet through restlessness and physical movements.

Summary – Why does my autistic child not stay still

The first thing to be aware of is that this is common for autistic children and is likely to be as a result of their condition.

Therefore it is important for parents and teachers to be understanding and supportive of children who have difficulty sitting still.

The goal really should be to work with them to find strategies that can help them feel more comfortable and regulated.

This may involve providing sensory breaks, using sensory tools or employing a therapist who is suitably trained.

The restlessness often exhibited by autistic children should not be viewed as mere disruption.

It is rather a window into their complex sensory experiences and emotional struggles.