Effects of environmental complexity on stereotyped behaviours of children

doi:10.1016/0003-3472(65)90064-3

Animal Behaviour

Volume 13, Issue 1, January 1965, Pages 1-4

https://doi.org/10.1016/0003-3472(65)90064-3 Get rights and content

Abstract

Six children, classified as autistic and showing marked stereotyped movements, were observed in 4 environments of increasing complexity. These environments were: (a) empty room, (b) empty room + box of blocks, (c) room + blocks + passive adult, (d) room + blocks + active adult. It was found that stereotypies increased with environmental complexity, except where there was intervention from the adult. Stereotypy and block-manipulation increased at the expense of body-manipulation and fixture-manipulation. It is suggested that the level of stereotypy in these Ss is related to a chronically high level of arousal. EEG findings are offered as supportive evidence for the latter. Stereotypies in these Ss may serve to maintain arousal within acceptable limits. The results are discussed in relation to findings from animal studies.

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Effects of environmental complexity on stereotyped behaviours of children

Abstract

EEG clin. Neurophysiol

J. Paediat

Stereotyped movements of mental defectives. I. Initial Survey

Amer. J. ment. Defic

Situation and stimulus effects on stereotyped behaviour of chimpanzees

J. comp. physiol. Psychol

An interpretation of some agonistic postures; the role of “cut-offs” acts and postures

Stereotyped behaviour of the infant chimpanzee

Arch. gen. Psychiat

Stereotyped behaviour and cage size

Perceptual & Motor Skills