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Stereotypic Movement Disorder—Child

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Stereotypic Movement Disorder—Child

(SMD)

Definition

Stereotypic movement disorder (SMD) is when there are body movements that are done over and over again in a rhythm. These are called stereotypies. These movements are often harmless. Sometimes they may result in self-harm or social problems.

SMD may happen by itself or with other health issues, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Causes

The cause is not clear. Some children with SMD have family members who had SMD when they were young. There may be a genetic link.

SMD may also be linked to neurological problems or brain injuries in some children.

Head Injury .

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Risk Factors

SMD is more common in boys. Things that may raise the risk of SMD are:

  • Having a developmental issue, such as ASD
  • Family history of SMD

Symptoms

Symptoms are common in children aged 3 to 5 years. It may last longer in some children. Stereotypic movements:

  • Affect the arms, hands, head, or entire body
  • Are rhythmic
  • Do not change over time
  • Can be hard to notice or be very noticeable
  • Stop when a child’s focus changes

Symptoms may be:

  • Thumb sucking
  • Biting one’s nails, lips, hands, or other body parts
  • Hair twisting
  • Rocking
  • Teeth clenching or grinding
  • Banging head on objects
  • Nodding
  • Hand or arm flapping
  • Waving
  • Wiggling one’s fingers or opening and closing the hands

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and health history. The doctor will also ask what starts the movements and what makes them stop. A physical exam will be done. Psychological testing will also be done.

Treatment

SMD fades over time in some children. Movements that do not cause problems may not need treatment. Movements that impact social function or cause self-harm will need to be treated. Some choices are:

Prevention

SMD cannot be prevented.

Behavioral Therapy

Distraction helps stop the movements. Behavioral therapy can help a child see patterns and reduce or stop movements with positive reinforcement.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may also be used to change patterns of thinking that are not helpful. This may not be helpful in very young children.

Behavioral Therapy

Distraction helps stop the movements. Behavioral therapy can help a child see patterns and reduce or stop movements with positive reinforcement.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may also be used to change patterns of thinking that are not helpful. This may not be helpful in very young children.

Medicine

There are no specific medicines to treat SMD. Medicine may be chosen for children who do not respond to therapy.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Disorders of childhood: Stereotypic movement disorders. MentalHelp.net website. Available at: https://www.mentalhelp.net/articles/disorders-of-childhood/stereotypic-movement-disorder.
  • Hyperkinetic movement disorders in children. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/hyperkinetic-movement-disorders-in-children.
  • Primary (non-autistic) motor stereotypies. Johns Hopkins Medicine website. Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neurology_neurosurgery/centers_clinics/pediatric-neurology/conditions/motor-stereotypies/index.html.
  • Your child’s stereotypies. Evelina London website. Available at: http://www.evelinalondon.nhs.uk/resources/patient-information/your-childs-stereotypies.pdf.

Contributors

  • Chelsea Skucek, MSN, BS, RNC-NIC
Last Updated:
2022-08-01

(C) Copyright 2022 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.