If you have an autistic child and you are trying to work out how to stop them spinning then do not fret, you are not alone.

This is another personal post for me as since our daughter was around three spinning has been one of her favourite pastimes.

Let’s dig into why they often spin and what you can do about it.

Autism and spinning basics

Autistic children often engage in repetitive behaviours, such as spinning, which can be soothing or calming for them.

So it is a topic of debate as to if you should even try to stop them from engaging in the behaviour, especially if they are doing so safely.

However it is of note that excessive spinning can interfere with daily activities, and parents or caregivers may want to help the child reduce this behaviour.

Here are some strategies to try:

Identify triggers

Observe when and where the child engages in spinning behaviour. It may be in response to stress, sensory overload, or boredom. Identifying the triggers can help develop a plan to prevent or redirect the behavior.

Introduce alternative activities

Encourage the child to engage in alternative activities, such as playing with a fidget toy or engaging in sensory activities, like playing with sand or water. These activities can provide a similar sensory experience and be a healthy alternative to spinning.

Provide structure

Autistic children often thrive in structured environments. Create a daily routine that includes scheduled time for physical activities, such as running or jumping, to help release excess energy and reduce the need to spin.

Give positive reinforcement

Praise the child when they engage in positive behaviors, such as playing with a fidget toy or engaging in an alternative activity. This can help reinforce the behavior and encourage the child to continue.

Create a sensory environment

Autistic children often have sensory processing difficulties. Create a sensory-friendly environment by reducing noise levels, providing soft lighting, and using calming scents, such as lavender. This can help reduce the need for spinning.

Use a count down method

You can try counting down from ten to zero when your child is spinning. Once you get to zero calmly stop them and provide some sort of a reward or recognition of good behaviour.

Spin with them

This is one of the techniques I tried myself with unfortunately unsuccessful results. Some experts argue however that if you can make it a joint endeavour then you can initiate a close to the activity.

You could try spinning with your child and then falling over in a comical fashion to draw their attention away from their spinning.

Summary – How to stop an autistic child spinning

It’s important to remember that autistic children have unique needs and behaviours, and what works for one child may not work for another.

Patience, understanding, and flexibility are key to helping an autistic child reduce spinning behavior. With time and effort, you can help your child develop healthy coping strategies and thrive.