Knowing how to teach an autistic kid not to run is a tricky task for parents of autistic children.

In this article we explain some of the reasons behind the behaviour and what you can do to intervene.

Why may an autistic kid run?

There are several reasons why an autistic child may keep running away or just generally like to run, including:

Seeking stimulation

Some kids with autism may seek out sensory stimulation by running or engaging in other physical activities.

They may find the movement and sensation of running to be comforting or enjoyable.

It could also be that the child feels uncomfortable sitting or standing still, they have a natural urge to keep moving.

The technical term for this desire is seeking proprioceptive input (the feeling of body movement and position). Running can provide this kind of stimulation.

In addition it may be that they like the slap of their feet on the floor and the sensory feedback this provides.

Sensory overload

At the other end of the scale, the child may run to escape sensory overload.

Children with autism may be hypersensitive, which means that they can become overwhelmed by sensory stimuli. This can include loud noises, bright lights, or strong smells.

These sensory inputs can cause them to feel anxious or stressed, and they may run away to escape the overwhelming environment.

Lack of awareness of danger

Autistic kids may have difficulty understanding danger or recognising risks. They may not understand that running from a safe environment can put them in danger.

For example, they may run into a busy street or wander into an unfamiliar neighbourhood.

Routine and predicability

Many autistic children and adults thrive on routine and predictability. Running can provide a structured, predictable activity that can be comforting and enjoyable.

It may be that the running has become a repetitive behaviour and that they engage in it to stay calm and relaxed.

Should you stop an autistic child from running?

Before trying to intervene in a behaviour it is always worth asking the question of should you try to stop them?

If the activity is providing them with desired sensory input and exercise is it a bad thing?

The answer to this question will be dependant on the individual of course.

Parents will have to weigh up factors like if the behaviour is inhibiting their communication and development.

Also is their running causing them to risk injury? If so an intervention sounds like it is required.

How to teach an autistic kid not to run

If you have made the decision that you are going to intervene you could consider the following steps;

Identify triggers

The first thing you should do is study your child to form a clear pattern of when you think the behaviour occurs.

It may be that your child engages in the behaviour when they are tired, have just had a bath or are wearing particular clothing.

It may be easier for you if you keep a running log (pun intended!) in your phone each time your child runs.

Use the triggers

This will be dependent on your child’s individual behaviours but try to adapt a plan around their triggers.

For example if your child is prone to running when they are barefoot then you could consider providing them slippers for indoors.

If you have identified a trigger of a particular type of flooring you could consider adapting your home slightly.

Something like adding a rug could alter the dynamics and put an end to the running.

Provide alternative sensory tool

If you think your child is about to start to run or they have already started you should have a sensory alternative to hand.

In terms of what sensory alternative it will be dependent on your child’s specific preferences.

You could try heavy blankets or something like a chew toy.

As your child seems to like movement you could use a kids trampoline to have that as an alternative.

Provide non sensory alternative

If providing a sensory alternative isn’t doing the trick you could have an alternative up your sleeve.

Again this is dependent on your child but if you felt your child was about to run then you could quickly offer them an electronic device.

What you are trying to do is break what may have become a routine for your child.

If you can stretch out the time in-between running incidents then you can ease them out of the behaviour.

Summary – How to teach an autistic kid not to run

The first thing to be aware of is that this is a common behaviour.

A large amount of autistic children like to run, either at home or out in public.

The first part of the puzzle to tackle is learning why, when and where they engage in the activity.

You should make a dedicated effort to identify triggers.

Armed with that information you can set about an individualised plan to either distract or divert your child from running.

Nothing happens overnight but with a plan, time, effort and patience you should see a reduction in the behaviour.