If these difficulties is unsafe, it is best to give support to stop or modify the behaviour.
Keep a diary to understand the function of the repetitive behaviour, routine or obsession.
Figure out triggers. For example, does the child find it hard to be in a place with too much lighting e.g shopping mall.
Make daily routine more structured. This will help make the day predictable. Use sand timers to give more understanding to abstract concepts like time.
Provide more structured environment by preparing range of activities for the day.
Manage anxiety by knowing and using what works well for your child to redirect them.
Provide early intervention. It 7s much harder to change repetitive behaviour, routine and obsession the longer they continue. What is acceptable as a child may not be appropriate as they get older. For example, obsession with stroking people hair. Try to set limits around repetitive behaviours from early age.
If you feel it’s necessary to set boundaries and limits. Like ration time spent on talking about a subject. Start small and slowly to make it more successful and the
child will be less likely to be distress. Gradually increase time restrictions. Introduce other activities to the child. Alternative activities to redirect the child.
Obsession and interest can bring used as a way to channel learning. It can be used to increase a person’s skills and and areas of interest. For example, obsession with computer could be developed into someone studying or working in IT.
Interest in a particular sounds could be channelled into learning a musical instruments.