Digital patient information hub

Self-gratification behaviour

Self-gratification behaviour can look different from one child to the next. Often, they repeatedly outstretch their legs, and they might stare or appear vacant. Sometimes they can move and shake their limbs for several minutes at a time. They may sweat, have facial flushing or grunt.

Your child may not respond immediately when called or may become upset when interrupted.

Sometimes they may adopt an odd posture orposition or perhaps have rocking movements. Often the episodes occur in the same places, for example in  a high chair, baby walker, car seat or when they are lying on their tummy.

Self-gratification behaviour is very common and is thought to happen in 9 out of 10 boys and 5 out of 10 girls at some point during childhood. It is more common in children with autism or a learning disability.

Girl leaning over on carpet, next to colourful blocks

Self-gratification behaviour is often discovered by chance and then becomes a habit as it ‘feels nice’.
It can also happen because a child is bored, or they might use it as a self-soothing response.

Young children do not have the social understanding that this is not an appropriate behaviour in public.

Your doctor may make this diagnosis after taking a history for the episodes, examining your child and reviewing video recordings. This can avoid unnecessary medical investigations.

It is important to understand that self-gratification is a normal behaviour that children will often outgrow.

Try to avoid situations which may trigger your child’s episodes such as boredom. When the behaviour is taking place, try and distract them with other activities such as music, games and toys.

Telling your child off should be avoided as it can reinforce the behaviour and lead to low self-esteem. Try and speak to them in
a calm manner.

Contact number: 01274 365887

You can contact us using the Relay UK app. Textphone users will need to dial 18001 before the number to be contacted.

Accessible Information

If you need this information in another format or language and are in the hospital, please ask a member of staff. If you are accessing this leaflet online or on your phone you can see our Google Translate automated guidance on the Digital Patient Information Hub home screen.

People with hearing and speech difficulties

You can contact us using the Relay UK app. Textphone users will need to dial 18001 ahead of the number to be contacted.

Published by
, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Duckworth Lane, Bradford BD9 6RJ.

Date of publication: May 2025
Review Date: May 2027
MID Ref: 25052206