What kind of behavior may indicate self-stimulation in autistic children?

Repetitive actions such as hand flapping are indeed indicative of self-stimulatory behavior often seen in autistic children. This type of behavior, also known as "stimming," serves various functions for individuals with autism, including self-soothing, expressing excitement, or regulating sensory input. Children may engage in these repetitive movements to cope with overwhelming sensory experiences or to provide themselves with a sense of predictability and comfort.

In contrast, behaviors like engaging in group play, actively participating in sports, or maintaining consistent eye contact are generally associated with social engagement and interaction. These behaviors do not typically reflect self-stimulation; instead, they demonstrate social skills and the ability to connect with others, which can be challenging for many autistic children. Thus, while many behaviors are important in understanding autism, the specific repetitive actions of hand flapping are directly linked to self-stimulatory behavior.