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Stimming: What Is It and Why Does It Matter?

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Stimming: What Is It and Why Does It Matter?

Whether you realize it or not, you’ve most likely witnessed an individual participating in stimming behavior. In fact, there’s even a good chance that you yourself have engaged in it. After all, stimming - short for self-stimulatory behavior - is part of human nature. People find their own ways of self-regulating, which often comes in the form of a stim. For individuals with autism, though, stimming can play an extremely prominent role within their daily lives. While once looked at as a behavior to curb, stimming is now recognized as a vital tool for those with autism. Let’s get into what exactly stimming is, how it works and how to approach it with empathy and compassion.


What Is Stimming?

Stimming is simply a repetitive movement, sound or particular behavior that a person participates in that helps regulate or express their sensory input. Some examples include:


• Hand flapping

• Rocking back and forth

• Spinning

• Repeating certain words or phrases

• Humming

• Repeatedly making specific sounds

• Lining up objects

• Spinning wheels

• Flicking light switches

• Snapping fingers

• Rubbing hands together

• Tapping fingers


This short list includes some prominent examples, but stimming behaviors are vast, varying between each person. While the stim may change from person to person, the underlying purpose is the same.


Why Do People Stim?


Stimming can meet many different needs depending on the circumstances. When it comes to those with autism or sensory processing struggles, stimming can provide:


• Self-Regulation: Stimming can help regulate sensory input, especially in environments that are overstimulating or even under stimulating. A child who rocks back and forth may be trying to calm themselves down within a loud classroom.

• Emotional Expression: Intense emotion is often expressed through stimming, showing up when a child is excited, happy, frustrated, angry or anxious. Hand-flapping often occurs during moments of happiness and excitement.

• Enhanced Focus: Stims can help improve concentration and focus. For example, repeatedly tapping a pencil or shaking a leg may help the person process information better.

• Coping Skills: When facing an unfamiliar or otherwise uncomfortable situation - a new class, a doctor appointment - stims can bring a predictable comfort.

• Sensory Input: Certain stims just feel good for people, providing positive sensory input. Examples may include the feeling of humming on the throat or how a soft fabric feels under fingers.


While all humans are likely to engage in forms of stimming, these habits are far more noticeable and frequent in those with autism, often even used as part of the diagnostic process. Frequent stimming has been considered problematic in the past, but it's important to understand the importance of these behaviors as part of self-regulation and self-expression.


How To Support Stimming - And Recognize When It’s A Concern


Stimming is a natural behavior with several benefits, especially for those with autism. It should be approached with acceptance and genuine curiosity, with a recognition for how it helps people manage their needs to navigate the world more effectively. It’s important to be understanding and avoid trying to stop harmless stimming behavior. A supportive environment can include fidget toys, noise-canceling headphones, sensory stations, and quiet spaces to empower autistic children to regulate in their own ways. While typically stimming is a safe, individualized coping mechanism, there are times it can become a concern. These may include:


• Safety Concerns: If a stim manifests itself in a way that might be harmful to the child or others (example: head-banging, biting, scratching), efforts should be made to replace this behavior with a healthier, safer stim.

• Significant Disruptions: Extreme disruption to the child’s daily life that negatively impacts their quality of life should be addressed.

• Increase in Frequency or Intensity: If a stim becomes more frequent or intense, it may be a sign of an underlying issue like increased anxiety or stress. In that instance, it’s important to get to the root cause of the issue.


In any situation where a stim has become more of a negative to a child’s life than a positive, it may be time to redirect with the guidance of a trusted professional. The goal is never to stop the behavior or shame the behavior, but to understand the root cause and direct toward a healthier coping method. ABA Therapy can help with this, working with families to recognize triggers while developing a plan of action to diminish or avoid those triggers in ways personalized to the child. This includes directing toward safer stimming alternatives that replace harmful behaviors with safer options that still fill the sensory and emotional needs of the child. It’s important to work with professionals who prioritize the child’s comfort and autonomy.


Stand Up for Stimming


The stigma that comes along with stimming can be diminished by more people speaking up about what it is and how it helps. When people are able to educate themselves and others, a deeper understanding can lead to more empathy and support. A supportive environment makes space for autistic children to feel accepted and empowered enough to exist as themselves on their own terms.


Want to learn more about stimming and how to support autistic children? Reach out to Bloom Behavioral Healthcare for resources and guidance!

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