The effects of deep pressure on self-stimulating behaviors in a child with autism and other disabilities.

The American journal 0/ Occupational Therapl' ThiS case report describes the effects of deeppressure tactile stimulation in reducing self-stimulating behaviors in a child with multiple disabilities including autism. These behaviors include hitting the hands together, one hand on top of the other, so that the palm of one hand hits the dorsum of the other, or hitting a surface with one or both hands. Such behaviors not only made classroom efforts to have her use her hands for selfcare functions such as holding an adapted spoon difficult or impossible, but also called attention to her disabling condition. These behaviors also were disruptive and noisy.