‘T-Rex Arms’ in Autism
As a neurodevelopmental disorder, autism affects how a person’s brain works and, as a result, how they behave and what they might have trouble processing. For instance, many people who are diagnosed with autism face challenges with communication, in social situations and even performing daily living tasks.
Since autism spectrum disorder (ASD)1 applies to such a wide variety of developmental disorders, it also presents itself in a wide variety of ways.
One thing that some people with autism may do is hold their arms in close to their body, bending their elbows and holding their hands up. This is often referred to as ‘T-Rex Arms,” since it resembles how a Tyrannosaurus Rex held its arms.
This posture is unique but is observed commonly among individuals who are diagnosed with ASD. There’s nothing about autism that forces an individual’s arms to be held this way, or restricts them from physical movement.
Understanding “T-Rex Arms” in autism requires a deeper understanding of autism itself to know why some individuals on the autism spectrum hold their arms this way.
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How Does ASD Affect Someone?
There are many ways in which autism can affect someone. Generally speaking, people on the autism spectrum are diagnosed based off repetitive behaviors and restricted interests.
This could be caring deeply about, and knowing specific details about, an interest such as science, a sport or a particular person. It could manifest itself in repeating certain phrases or sounds in response to certain stimuli.
Individuals on the autism spectrum often process sensory experiences differently than neurotypical individuals. In other words, specific movements, sounds, light or colors, textures and more might make them feel more or less overwhelmed or more or less comfortable.
When autistic people feel uncomfortable, or experience anxiety or stress, they might respond by exhibiting self-stimulatory behavior, or stimming2. This repetitive movements they do or noises they make help them to cope with certain situations and regulate their emotions.
In essence, “T-Rex Arms” in autism can be viewed this way. Having their arms close to their body can provide them with a sense of security as well as help them to manage sensory overload.
How T-Rex Arms are Misconceived
T-Rex Arms in autism are generally misconceived as being a physical limitation only — something that makes it challenging for people with autism to extend their arms and, as a result, to perform certain tasks.
As mentioned, though, T-Rex Arms aren’t a physical limitation, but a preferred way that some people with autism will stand to give them a feeling of comfort and calm.
In addition, some people look at T-Rex Arms as being a sign of a person’s inability to do something or a general weakness. In reality, it has nothing to do with either of those things.
Some people on the autism spectrum will naturally use the unique posture as an expression of how they process sensory patterns. T-Rex Arms can actually be seen as self-regulation, comfort and even a communication form.
What T-Rex Arms Communicate
T-Rex Arms can say a lot about how an autistic individual is feeling at that particular moment. In this way, they are a great communicator.
If someone is standing in the T-Rex Arms posture, it will usually mean that they are not feeling comfortable, that they have an extra need to feel safe and secure, and/or that they are having trouble processing a certain stimulus.
Parents, caregivers, teachers, therapists and others who notice a child with T-Rex Arms can use that information as a signal that they might need help.
This could be guiding the child to a safe space that you have designated where they can go to self-regulate if they’re feeling overwhelmed. Or, it could be identifying what might be causing them to feel this way — such as music that’s too loud, light that’s too bright or smells that are too strong — and then doing your best to remove that stimuli or at least reduce its effects.
These are just a few strategies you can implement in response to T-Rex Arms in autism to better support someone who is displaying the unique posture.
Blue Gems ABA Helps Children with Autism Build Skills They Need
T-Rex Arms in autism is sometimes viewed as something negative, but it’s not that at all. In fact, the behavior can be viewed as a form of stimming and communication all in one.
Understanding why someone with autism may exhibit T-Rex Arms can help you to support them in the ways they need.
At Blue Gems ABA, we have a team of trusted, licensed and experienced BCBAs who administer ABA therapy to help children gain the communication, social and daily skills they need to thrive in life. Along the way, improvement in these areas helps to reduce their feelings of anxiety and being overwhelmed, which can help them regulate their behaviors and reactions even better.
To learn more, please contact us today.
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info@bluegemsaba.com
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