As you already know, ASD or Autism Spectrum Disorder presents in many different ways or forms, each one with its own set of challenges and unique characteristics. One of those many variations is a condition that’s not as widely known as others – hyperverbal autism.
Hyperverbal – Meaning, Signs, and Causes
The term hyperverbal’s meaning in simple terms is this: It’s above-average verbal capability displayed by someone on the spectrum. This is not just about how fast or how much one talks. A person with hyperverbal speech may demonstrate an impressive vocabulary and the ability to hold prolonged conversations on topics of their interest (often without recognizing other people’s disinterest in the subject). They often have amazing memories, too.
Apart from these signs, hyperverbal autism often also comes with advanced reading skills from a very young age, or what’s known as hyperlexia. What hyperverbal’s definition doesn’t obviously show is how this gift in speech and language often comes with challenges like difficulty in recognizing jokes, sarcasm, or anything non-literal. People with hyperverbal speech abilities also usually cannot interpret social communication nuances like facial expressions, tones, and body language, among others.
The exact cause of hyperverbal autism cannot be determined for now, but experts agree that it’s likely a combination of several factors, including genetics and environmental influences. Research also suggests that it may be the difference in the brain structure of a person with ASD that plays a big role in having hyperverbal autism. Conditions like ADHD, sensory sensitivity, and others may also be contributing factors.
Repetitive Actions – Meaning, Signs, and Causes
What are repetitive behaviors in autism? There are two general types of repetitive behaviors.
Lower-order repetitive movement in autism includes actions like clapping, fidgeting, hand-flapping, rocking back and forth, twirling, and more. These movements, which are also called stimming, are quite common in individuals on the spectrum, but not everyone understands what they are, why people with autism do them, and what causes them.
On the other hand, higher-order repetitive behavior includes strict routines and a person’s insistence on uniformity or sameness. For example, a person with a disability might insist on wearing pajamas of the same color and design after school. They might choose to enjoy the same snack every day at the same time, too, or have a lengthy ritual before bedtime.
Repetitive actions or behaviors in autism may be caused by a combination of communication, neurological, and sensory factors. It may also be rooted in a person’s need to manage emotions and establish predictability, which helps them feel calm in an ever-changing world.
Importance of Proper Management of Hyperverbal Symptoms and Repetitive Movements in Autism
Effective management of hyperverbal symptoms and repetitive behavior, and movements in autism is crucial in a person’s overall well-being. While some may seem pretty harmless, others can interfere with how they interact with others and how they learn.
Proper management of these traits or behaviors can help improve a person’s concentration and focus. It can also improve one’s ability to connect and engage with other people.
For someone with hyperverbal autism and repetitive behavior, these management strategies can be helpful:
Have Effective Communication Techniques In Place
There are different communication techniques that you can try; for instance, you can use visual aids like flash cards and pictures. You can also make use of scripts or social stories to help a person with ASD better understand social situations and how they should respond in various scenarios.
Try Social Skills Development Programs
You can tailor programs to the unique needs of your loved one with ASD to enhance both their communication and their social interaction skills. Through these programs, you can teach them non-verbal cues and even help them understand and develop empathy. You can have regular social skills training, immersive activities, and lessons on non-literal language.
Incorporate Sensory Strategies
Strategies like sensory diets, sensory breaks, and deep pressure techniques can all address the sensory needs of individuals on the spectrum, which then, in turn, may also lessen their repetitive behavior. For instance, sensory breaks give people with autism the right avenue for sensory activities that can promote self-regulation and reduce sensory overload. On the other hand, deep pressure techniques can help those with ASD feel calm and grounded.
Modify Their Environment
This is also essential in the management of repetitive behaviors. For one, making changes in a person’s environment can already lessen the stimuli that might cause repetitive behaviors. Also, making those environmental modifications could mean your loved one with ASD can enjoy their very own space where their repetitive behaviors won’t be distracting to others.
Employ Behavioral Strategies
Behavioral strategies can also make a huge difference in individuals with hyperverbal autism and repetitive behaviors. The goal of these strategies is to determine and address the underlying causes and introduce alternatives to achieve pleasant outcomes.
Reinforcement and Rewards, typically used in ABA therapy, can encourage desired behavior and motivate an individual to manage their repetitive behaviors. Replacement behaviors can help identify the reason or purpose behind a person’s repetitive behavior, and with that information, parents and caregivers can come up with alternative behaviors that may be less disruptive and more socially acceptable. For example, instead of jumping and hand-flapping, they can lightly clap their hands, fidget with their fingers, or even use sign language.
Provide Creative Activities
By encouraging their creativity and giving them regular opportunities to express themselves, individuals with autism can have something through which they can channel their energy. Aside from fostering self-expression, this strategy can also help them focus, which is necessary in managing repetitive behaviors.
Effective Management of Hyperverbal Autism and Repetitive Behaviors Matters
Now that you understand what hyperverbal autism is and what repetitive behaviors in autism are, you probably see the importance of managing these effectively, too. By following the strategies we shared here, you’re already halfway through that journey. Our team at Steady Steps ABA can take care of the rest.
We, at Steady Steps ABA in Maryland, recognize the unique needs of each individual with ASD that we see. Whether they have hyperverbal autism and repetitive behaviors or not, you can be sure that the ABA therapy services they’re getting are right for them. Call us today to find out more about the services we offer!
