Parents of autistic children face a number of challenges, in this article we explain why it may be that your autistic child can’t stay still.

Autism and staying still

As with the majority of our articles it is always worth pointing out that every child is different but with that said there are often consistent traits.

In terms of a child who doesn’t want or like to stay still, it could be down to the following reasons;

Vestibular system

Autistic children often experience sensory sensitivities, including vestibular sensitivity.

The vestibular system which is located in the inner ear, plays a crucial role in maintaining balance, spatial orientation, and coordinating movement.

Some autistic kids may have an overactive or hypersensitive vestibular system, causing them to be more reactive to movements and changes in body position.

This hypersensitivity can make it challenging for them to stay still, as even slight shifts in body position can trigger discomfort or disorientation.

Seeking sensory input

In contrast to sensory sensitivity, some autistic children engage in sensory-seeking behaviours.

These children actively seek out sensory stimulation to fulfill their sensory needs.

They may crave specific types of movements, such as spinning, jumping, swinging or even humping to engage their vestibular system.

As a result, staying still becomes difficult, as they are driven to seek the sensory input that helps them regulate their vestibular system.

Self regulation

Impaired self-regulation is a common challenge for autistic individuals.

Autistic children may struggle to modulate their responses to input effectively, leading to a constant need for movement or an inability to find a comfortable position.

Maintaining stillness becomes challenging as their bodies may seek out movement as a means of self-regulation, resulting in restlessness and a need for continuous physical activity.

Motor skills

Autism can impact motor planning and coordination, including the ability to integrate input with other sensory information.

Difficulties in coordinating movements and processing vestibular input can lead to challenges in staying still.

Autistic children may fidget, shift positions, or engage in repetitive movements as they struggle to control and coordinate their body movements.

This lack of coordination can make it uncomfortable for them to maintain a static posture, contributing to their difficulty in staying still.

Special interests and activities

Autistic children often have intense and focused interests that capture their attention.

However, these interests may not align with activities or situations that require stillness, such as sitting in a classroom.

In such cases, their need for movement and sensory stimulation related to their special interests may lead to restlessness and an inability to stay still.

Summary – Why can’t my autistic child stay still?

Having an autistic child who won’t stay still is challenging for parents in our position. One important thing to remember however is that your child isn’t deliberately being difficult.

They quite literally feel and interact with the world differently to the neuro-typical and as a result they crave movement.

The hypersensitivity or seeking of vestibular input, along with the challenges in regulating and coordinating movements, contributes to their restlessness and constant need for physical activity.

Understanding the impact of the vestibular system is crucial for creating supportive environments that address these unique sensory and neurological needs.

Making adaptations and allowances can allow autistic children to navigate the world more comfortably and reach their full potential.