Children with ASD may have any number of repetitive behaviours with one common one being a child with autism opening and closing doors.

Is opening and closing doors a sign of autism?

It is common for autistic children to engage in repetitive behaviours and door opening and closing may be one of those behaviours.

Although the reasons may vary from child to child it is likely that the behaviour is to regulate their sensory input and help them cope with stress or anxiety.

The physical process of opening and closing for example a cupboard door may be extremely satisfying to your child.

The ‘swish’ of it opening may send soothing vibrations through their hand and then the ‘crack’ of it shutting may make an enjoyable sound.

It will likely also be the consistency of a door opening and closing which is soothing to a child. If you think about it the movement is exactly the same on each occasion.

Autistic children often thrive on consistency and routine and this is an outlet for that desire.

It is important to note that if your child engages in opening and closing doors it doesn’t automatically mean they have autism.

Yes it is a behaviour which is common among autistic children but a diagnosis is a rich tapestry of different factors.

How to stop an autistic child opening and closing doors?

Before taking any action to stop an autistic child performing a repetitive behaviour, parents would be well advised to ask themselves should they stop it?

Often repetitive behaviours are important for autistic children providing them comfort in a confusing and stressful world.

With that said however you could argue that the process of repeatedly opening and closing doors is disruptive.

Disruptive perhaps to their development and possibly even your sanity!

So with that in mind here are some tactics to try.

Identify triggers

Try to identify any triggers that may be causing your child to engage in the behaviour.

For example, your child may open and close doors more frequently when they are bored, anxious, or overstimulated.

Another trigger could be something like when the TV is on or you have guests and mum or dad are fully engaged in a conversation.

If you can identify why your child is opening and closing the doors that is half the battle.

Provide alternative sensory input

As mentioned above it is likely your child is engaging in this behaviour to satisfy a sensory desire.

When your child starts in this behaviour or you feel they are about to (see triggers above!) try providing alternative sensory input.

There are a plethora of options in terms of sensory toys and forms of input.

It may be a case of trial and error with your child to see what they like.

Some children like such sensory toys as these vibrating oral toys. Or you could try a trusted favourite like a weighted lap blanket.

Distraction

Engaging your child in alternative activities can help to redirect their attention away from the door.

This could be a box of small toys you only get out when you feel your child is going to engage in this behaviour.

Or if your child enjoys the feeling of opening and closing doors, try providing them with a toy that has doors to open and close.

Be sure to praise your child

Praise and reward your child when they engage in alternative behaviours or when they resist the urge to open and close doors.

This will help to reinforce positive behaviour and may reduce the frequency of the door opening and closing.

Use a routine

Establishing a consistent routine can help your child feel more secure and reduce anxiety.

Try incorporating the door opening and closing behavior into a specific part of the routine, such as a transition activity.

An example of this could be if your child is engaged in this behaviour you complete a countdown of 5 more ‘closures’ before leading with a distraction.

With time your child may get used to the countdown idea and stop without protest.

Summary – Autism and opening and closing doors

It is not uncommon for autistic children to engage in repetitive behaviours such as door opening and closing.

While it can be frustrating, it is important to understand that these behaviors often serve a purpose for the child.

By identifying triggers and then developing a plan, you can help your child manage this behaviour and reduce its frequency.

Feel free to visit the UK’s national autistic societies website for more help on raising an autistic child.