Table 3.

Operational Definitions of Repetitive and Stereotyped Behaviors (RSB)

Category of RSB	Operational Definitions
RSB with Objects
Bangs/Taps	makes contact between one object with another object or between an object and a surface
Rocks/Flips	tilts the vertical axis of an object back and forth in a trajectory of at least 30° or rotates the vertical axis 180° or 360° at least 3 consecutive times
Swipes	strikes an object or group of objects in a back and forth motion in an effort to move the object(s) 3 consecutive times with no interceding action
Rubs/Squeezes	manipulates an object by rubbing or squeezing it or part of the object 3 consecutive times or moves the object back and forth on the table in a rubbing or pushing motion at least 3 consecutive times
Lines up/Stacks	moves at least 3 objects consecutively into a line or stack with no other actions interceding
Collects	holds or gathers 3 or more objects at one time for at least 3 seconds, in one or both hands, under the arm, in a pile, or collecting them in a container such as the bowl, cup, or jar
Spins/Wobbles	rotates or turns an object around a vertical axis
Rolls	knocks an object over or sets it down and rotates it around a horizontal axis so that it rolls;
Moves/Places	moves or deliberately places an object to the same side or unique location on the table, floor, or in the lap in the same way repeatedly three or more times across the entire sample
Clutches	holds onto an object from the previous activity and does not release the object easily with either offer of a new object or an attempt by an adult to remove the object
RSB with Body
Bangs Surface	bangs or taps hand/arm against a surface, such as the table or body, while not holding an object
Pats Body	pats, taps, or smacks with a clear up-and-down movement releasing and contacting the body with one or more fingers of one or both hands or in a flicking motion away from the body
Rocks/Swivels	moves the trunk back and forth or swivels the body from left to right or vice versa in the seat in the same way 3 consecutive times
Flaps	moves the hand, wrist, or arm up-and-down at least 3 consecutive times while not holding any object; may be oriented horizontally or vertically
Rubs Body	rubs hands on any part of the body back and forth three times or 3 rubs in one direction in which the hand or finger(s) is lifted between rubs
Stiffens	postures or stiffens the fingers, hand, or arm, usually with the fingers spread or fist clenched
Sensory Behaviors
Licks	moves the tongue toward an object or surface (including the body) with visible contact
Sniffs/Smells	lifts an object to the nose to sniff it, or bends the head to a surface or object to sniff it
Feels/Touches	places any part of the skin other than the hand against an object to feel it e.g., picks up an object and rubs it against the cheek
Fixates Gaze	fixates gaze on, or visually examines an object held to the side or held very close to the eyes
Covers Ears	holds both hands over the ears in response to an environmental sound or potential for sound, such as when watching the balloon being inflated
Sucks Fingers	puts one or more fingers or thumb in the mouth for any period of 5 seconds or longer