Subtyping stereotypic behavior in children: The association between stereotypic behavior, mood, and heart rate

The stereotypic behavior of children (N = 26) while in a playroom session w ith their parent was studied. The sample included children with a pervasive developmental disorder, an attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, a dev elopmental expressive language disorder, or a developmental receptive langu age disorder and normally developing children. Stereotypic behaviors associ ated with distress, elation, and composure were compared on mean duration a nd form of the stereotypies and heart rate changes around the onset of the stereotypies. Results showed that stereotypies associated with different mo ods differed in all variables studied. Results confirm that a valid classif ication scheme for stereotypic behaviors is needed as they indicate differe nt functions of individual stereotypies.