Verbal Stimming Explained (Movie Talk)

As a parent of a child with autism, you may notice your child repeating phrases from their favorite movies, TV shows, or even lines you’ve said. This behavior, often called scripting, verbal stimming, or verbal stereotypy, is common among many children on the autism spectrum. Sometimes referred to as “movie talk,” scripting can feel puzzling or even frustrating if you’re unsure why it happens or how to respond.

In this post, we’ll explore what scripting is, why children engage in this behavior, and practical strategies to support your child’s communication and social skills using principles rooted in ABA therapy (Applied Behavior Analysis).

What is Scripting?

Scripting involves repeating phrases, sentences, or dialogue from movies, TV shows, books, or conversations. These repeated lines might seem out of context or disconnected from the current situation, but they serve important functions for your child.

Why Do Children Script?

There are several reasons your child might engage in scripting:

• Social Interaction Attempts: Sometimes scripting is a way for your child to connect with others, even if they don’t yet know how to engage in typical back-and-forth conversation.

• Comfort and Coping: Scripting can be a calming mechanism, helping your child manage anxiety or overwhelming feelings by repeating familiar lines.

• Enjoyment and Play: Children may enjoy acting out their favorite scenes or stories as a form of play or self-expression.

How ABA Can Help

ABA therapy focuses on understanding why behaviors occur and teaching functional skills. When it comes to scripting, ABA strategies can help by:

• Teaching Social Communication: Instead of just repeating lines, children can learn to greet others (“Hi!”), share information about themselves (“My name is Courtney”), and respond to questions (“What’s your favorite color?”).

• Promoting Back-and-Forth Interaction: ABA techniques encourage children to participate in reciprocal conversations, improving social engagement.

• Guiding Appropriate Play: If your child scripts during play, you can join in to model commenting on toys and actions (“The car is going fast!”) rather than just repeating movie lines. This encourages more meaningful interaction.

• Developing Coping Skills: Since scripting can serve as a way to reduce anxiety, ABA therapists often teach additional coping strategies to help children regulate their emotions in various situations.

Practical Tips for Parents

1. Join in on the Fun: When your child scripts, try to participate and expand on their phrases. For example, if they repeat a movie line, respond with a related comment or question.

   
   

2. Model Alternative Phrases: Gradually introduce new ways to express their needs or feelings during scripting moments.

   
   

3. Encourage Play with Language: Turn scripting into a game by prompting your child to describe their play or talk about the characters they’re acting out.

   
   

4. Teach Coping Strategies: Use ABA-based methods to introduce calming techniques like deep breathing, sensory breaks, or using a calm-down corner.

When to Seek Support

If scripting is interfering with your child’s ability to communicate effectively or engage socially, consider consulting a professional who specializes in ABA. These experts can tailor strategies to your child’s unique needs, helping them build functional communication and social skills.

Scripting is a natural part of many children’s development on the autism spectrum. Understanding why it happens and using targeted techniques based on applied behavior analysis can transform scripting from a barrier into a bridge for learning and connection.