Aspects of Stereotypical Behavior for Children with Autism in the Kingdom of Bahrain

Abstract

The study aimed to detect aspects of stereotypical behavior in children with autism, as well as the different manifestations of progress in life through their childhood. The sample consisted of (40) children from the AlWAFAA center for autism and ALIA center for early intervention in Bahrain . They ranged in age between (3: 11) years old and were divided for two age groups, from (3: 7) years (average of 5.05 years), and from (8: 11) years (average 9.30 years). The study used repetitive and routine behavior scale which is a subscale from the checklist of behavioral educational characteristics for children with autism (Albalshah, 2001). The results indicated that stereotypical behavior on the senses is the most frequent in children with autism. It also revealed that there are no statistically significant differences in stereotypical behavior and recurring behavior between age groups (3: 7 years, 8: 11 years) in all aspects of stereotyped behavior, except the phrases: "Swinging while sitting" and "tending to his body while sitting and walking."