Mannerisms

Last week I compared mannerisms between blind children and autistic children and the similarity found with each disability. What I realized was that many people do not have a clear understanding of, mannerisms and the effect mannerisms cause.
Because I do not have an autistic relative I only know a small amount about, the effect mannerisms have on autistic children. I do however have a brother who is deaf- blind; so I have been exposed to the mannerisms, that effect deaf-blind children. Mannerisms defined are " physical behavior patterns that occur in visually impaired children and may last into adulthood." These mannerisms include: eye pressing, finger flicking, head banging, head weaving, fixated staring and maintaining a blank expressionless face. Many blind children engage in mannerisms because they are self-stimulatory behaviors. These behaviors interfere with learning, development, and socialization. They cause these children to withdraw from their surroundings and enter a world of their own. Mannerisms have a negative effect on deaf-blind children and there for should be diminished as much as possible.
I have learned through first hand experience that these mannerisms have a negative effect because they are causing these children to fall behind. Mannerisms are also causing social isolation and disfigurement. Mannerisms are real and they effect many blind children. The best way to counteract and prevent mannerisms is to engage these children in learning and the world around them.