How do you discourage stimming behavior?

DS has been more frequently engaging in stimming behavior (arms flapping/clenched, etc) when excited.

Our therapists have given differing advice on this--how do you discourage/redirect stimming? One said to try turning it into clapping, but another said to lie his arms down flat, or tell him verbally to "quiet hands," and said that redirecting to clapping would be replacing with something equally bad.

Any thoughts/suggestions?

Re: How do you discourage stimming behavior?

I stopped the clapping redirection. Never worked.

I tell DS "hands down". He knows what it means. I also say "feet on the ground" when he goes tippy toes. We DO allow 'some' stimming to let it out for a couple of minutes then we redirect.

Re: How do you discourage stimming behavior?

I find verbal cues or visual cues work best..."Quiet hands" is a good one!

Re: How do you discourage stimming behavior?

Lots of times I say "squeeze" and he squeezes his hands together.

If I can I give him deep pressure on his arms and shoulders.

Re: How do you discourage stimming behavior?

For Us:

"Quiet Hands"
"Sit on your hands"
"Squeeze your hands"

All those work best!

Re: How do you discourage stimming behavior?

I actually had to take the NYS Autism Workshop as part of my certification yesterday, and one of the tips they mentioned was using a squeeze ball. They also said they use a lot of trial and error to see what works. Something that works for one child may not be as effective for another.

I saw "quiet hands" reminders used a lot when I subbed in ABA classrooms as well.