Tag Archive for: Stimming

understanding stimming

Understanding Stimming: What It Means and How to Support

/in , /by

If you’ve ever seen someone repeatedly flap their hands, rock back and forth, or hum to themselves, you may have witnessed stimming. While these behaviors can seem unusual at first, they’re often a natural and essential part of life for many individuals with autism.

In this post, we’ll explore what stimming is, why it matters, and how we can support and understand those who use it.

understanding stimming

What is Stimming?

Stimming, short for “self-stimulatory behavior,” refers to repetitive movements, sounds, or actions. It can include things like:

  • Hand-flapping
  • Rocking back and forth
  • Spinning objects
  • Tapping fingers
  • Repeating words or phrases (echolalia)
  • Humming or making other vocal sounds

Who Stims?

Everyone engages in some form of stimming. Think about tapping your foot when nervous, twirling your hair while thinking, or biting your nails when anxious. For neurotypical individuals, these actions might go unnoticed. But for individuals with autism and others with neurodevelopmental conditions (such as ADHD or sensory processing disorder), stimming can be more frequent and noticeable, and deeply important.

Why Is Stimming Important?

For many neurodivergent people, stimming is a vital self-soothing tool. Suppressing it can lead to increased stress, meltdowns, or burnout. Trying to eliminate stimming—often referred to as “masking”—can be emotionally hurtful.

It’s crucial to recognize that stimming, unless it causes bodily harm, does not need to be “fixed.”

Why Do People with Autism Stim?

Stimming serves many purposes. It can help:

  • Sensory Regulation: People with sensory processing differences may under- or over-react to environmental stimuli (lights, sounds, textures). Stimming provides predictable sensory feedback, helping to balance their internal state.
  • Emotional Expression and Release: Frustration, anxiety, excitement, and joy can all be overwhelming. Stimming allows a physical outlet for these strong emotions when other forms of expression feel too challenging.
  • Communication: For individuals who struggle with verbal language, stims can signal their current state: for instance, flapping hands may express excitement, while rocking might indicate anxiety.
  • Self-soothing and Focus: Similar to how some people chew gum or tap a foot unconsciously, stimming can help maintain concentration, especially during tasks that feel unstimulating or overly demanding.

It’s essential to recognize that stimming is not a behavior to be “fixed.” Instead, it’s a form of coping, expression, and self-regulation.

When Is Stimming a Concern?

Stimming is generally harmless. However, there are cases where it might require intervention:

  • Self-injurious behaviors: Such as head-banging or biting, which can lead to injury.
  • Interference with learning or daily activities: When it prevents someone from engaging in essential tasks.

Even then, the goal isn’t to eliminate stimming but to understand the why behind it and offer safer or more appropriate alternatives.

How to Support Someone Who Stims

  • Don’t Judge or Shame. Avoid calling stimming “weird” or “wrong.” Respect it as part of someone’s way of existing in the world.
  • Ask Before Intervening. Unless the behavior is harmful, there’s usually no need to intervene. If you’re unsure whether a stim is disruptive, ask respectfully.
  • Learn Their Triggers. Understanding what causes stress or overstimulation can help reduce the need for distress-based stimming.
  • Provide Sensory Tools. Fidget toys, noise-canceling headphones, textured fabrics, or weighted blankets can all help support self-regulation.
  • Be an Advocate. If you’re a parent, friend, or coworker, help others understand stimming, too. Normalize it. Inclusion starts with education.

Support, don’t suppress. Embrace, don’t erase!

 

Litzy Vivas graduated from Texas State University in 2022 with her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences. She is pursuing a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis at Purdue University, working toward becoming a BCBA. Beginning her ABA journey in 2023 in San Antonio, she was later given the opportunity to support her community through BrightPath Behavior in 2024. She chose the field of ABA because she’s passionate about helping children reach their full potential. Litzy believes each child’s progress reflects the dedication and hard work of both the child and the family. She loves being a part of that support system and witnessing the life-changing impact of ABA therapy. A fun fact about her is that she has two cats, Frankie and Ivy.

 

 

 

Does my child have Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)?

/in /by

Exploring Sensory Processing in Children with Autism

Aisling Hagan, MA, and Clinical Resident at Bright Behavior Inc.

Have you ever noticed your child gag when eating certain textures? Or prefer for the lights to be off in the room? Or even cover their ears outside, even though you didn’t hear anything? 

Individuals impacted by Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) can rarely detect what sensory stimuli are affecting them and how. However, with a bit of information about SPD, you can be aware of what may be impacting their senses and how to help support them.

sensory processing

What is Sensory Processing Disorder?

Sensory Processing includes the brain’s ability to process sensory information (stimuli). Common sensory information includes things we hear, see, smell, taste, or touch. Those with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) generally display a sensitivity to stimuli that others cannot relate to. 

A common misconception regarding SPD is that the individual impacted by it will overreact when in contact with nonpreferred sounds, textures, and tastes; however, those impacted by SPD can also underreact. For example, a child may seem to have a high tolerance for pain or not appear to notice others in a crowded room. It is possible for an individual affected by SPD to have oversensitivity, undersensitivity, or a blend of the two.

How does this impact my child?

Over-sensitive

Those who are considered over-sensitive will be noticeably agitated by:

  • Sounds – loud airplanes, trains, or things in the far distance that cause them to cover their ears
  • Bright lights
  • Textures of clothes – resistance to rough or specific textures, favoring softer textures
  • Textures of Food – rigidity in diet choices, such as only eating crunchy foods

It is common for children with SPD to become overstimulated, increasing the display of tantrums, social isolation, or rigidity. 

Under-sensitive

Those who are considered under-sensitive will appear to be disconnected from societal expectations. These individuals are likely to be:

  • Hyper-active – seek stimulation through jumping, spinning, mouthing inappropriate items
  • Can sometimes experience difficulty with sleeping
  • Minimal or no reaction to pain – doesn’t notice when they stub their toe or skin their knee

How can I help my child?

Rethink Stereotypy

Have you ever tapped your foot while anxiously waiting in the doctor’s office? Twirled your hair around your finger while making a phone call? Or tapped your pen on the edge of the table while attending a meeting? These are all behaviors we engage in to help us focus, similar to the stereotypy we see in those with autism.

While hand flapping, doing a quick spin, lining up toys, or reciting their favorite commercial under their breath may catch a few glances, your child is likely attempting to regulate their sensory processing system. “Stereotypies can be a visible read-out of a person’s state of being, both negative and positive” (McCarty and Brumback, 2021).

Studies show that stereotypies increase following a trigger. However, people can also engage in stereotypies when happy. It is safe to say that stimming can aid an individual who may suffer from SPD by organizing their thoughts, helping them focus, or getting rid of excess energy. 

Be Proactive

Read your child’s body language to identify specific sounds, textures, etc., that they are especially sensitive to. For example, if your child is showing sensitivity to loud noises, purchasing noise-canceling headphones to wear when they are exposed to loud noises can make a monumental difference. If your child is showing a great interest in being stimulated by textures, purchase texture tiles or other sensory-fulfilling items.

Reach out to Your Pediatrician

If you think your child may have SPD, it is best to contact your pediatrician. They may give you a formal diagnosis and connect you with an occupational therapist. 

References

McCarty, M. J., & Brumback, A. C. (2021). Rethinking Stereotypies in Autism. Seminars in pediatric neurology, 38, 100897. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spen.2021.100897

Medical Home Portal – Sensory Processing/Integration Disorder. https://www.medicalhomeportal.org/clinical-practice/common-issues-for-cyshcn/sensory-processing-integration-disorder

Medical home portal – sensory processing/integration disorder. https://www.medicalhomeportal.org/clinical-practice/common-issues-for-cyshcn/sensory-processing-integration-disorder