Individuals engage in self-stimulatory behavior for a variety of reasons. In persons with autism, self-stimulatory behavior may provide internal pleasure, help them cope with stressors in the environment, enhance their focus or help them express their emotions. Generally, interventions to reduce or eliminate stereotypical behaviors should be used only if they interfere with learning, community inclusion, or are dangerous. It is important to first assess the function of the behavior and situations/events that may trigger more intense self-stimulatory behavior. Knowing the function(s) will determine your intervention as well as replacement behavior(s). Completing an A-B-C chart may assist with determining possible triggers for the behaviors, time the behaviors are most likely to occur, and maintaining consequences. (See resource section.)