In relation to repetitive questions and Autism, we will generally consider repetitive questions to be any questions which are repeated over and over again, usually in the same tone and manner and frequently within seconds or minutes of each other. Depending on the context and history of an individual’s situation and indeed the responses being provided by those being questioned at a given instance, the repetitive questions may persist for longer or shorter periods of time. Engaging in repetitive behaviors such as asking repetitive questions may also be dependent on various contextual factors such as location, time of day, who is present, what is being requested or expected of the individual etc. It’s always a good idea to try to get into the habit of keeping data on your observations in order to help you identify any potential patterns in your child’s repetitive behaviors.

Repetitive questions may continue for days, weeks, months or indeed years. The intensity and manner in which children with autism may pose questions will also vary depending on the individual concerned and how typical the responses being given are for that particular individual at a given time e.g. if a child has usually found answers or responses to be forthcoming and suddenly they become less so then the urgency and intensity of the repetitive questioning will likely increase.

With regard to children with Autism and asking repetitive questions we are also usually referring to questions that have already been and/or are being actively answered repeatedly and to which the child in question already knows and indeed expects and desires the exact same answer or response to be provided on each and every occasion that a repetitive question is posed.