Updated on August 24, 2024
Stimming is natural and can help regulate emotions. Still, it may require strategies to manage it when it disrupts daily life or bothers others.
This article explores stimming: what it is, why people do it, and when it might be helpful to manage it.
What is Stimming?
Stimming refers to repetitive behaviours that involve movement, sound, or other forms of sensory input. These behaviours can range from subtle actions like tapping fingers to more noticeable ones like rocking back and forth.
Stimming, short for self-stimulatory behaviour, is a term that has gained more attention as awareness of neurodiversity grows. While it is commonly associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), stimming can help people with various neurological conditions or even neurotypicals. It Involves repetitive movements or sounds that help manage sensory input, emotions, or stress.
People with ADHD, anxiety disorders, or other neurodevelopmental differences may also exhibit stimming behaviours. Neurotypical individuals might engage in mild stimming, like drumming their fingers on a desk when bored.
The primary function of stimming is self-regulation. It helps people manage their sensory environment, cope with overwhelming emotions, or maintain focus in challenging situations.
For example, a person might try to block out excessive noise or calm themselves during a stressful moment. The intensity and frequency of stimming can vary widely, from occasional behaviours to more frequent, visible actions that might disrupt daily life.
Common Examples of Stimming
Stimming can be categorised into different types based on the senses involved:
- Physical stimming
- Vocal stimming
- Visual stimming
- Tactile stimming
- Motor Stimming
Physical Stimming
- Hand-flapping is one of the most recognisable forms of stimming, particularly in children with autism. It often occurs when a person is excited, anxious, or overstimulated. It is a way for them to release energy or express their emotions.
- Rocking: Many people, especially those with autism, find comfort in repetitive rocking motions. This back-and-forth movement can help soothe anxiety and create a sense of stability.
- Finger-Tapping: Tapping fingers on a surface, clicking a pen, or tapping feet can be a way to maintain focus or relieve stress. This behaviour is common in both neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals.
- Hair-Twirling: Twirling hair around a finger is a common, often unconscious behaviour that can be a response to boredom, anxiety, or the need for sensory input.
Vocal Stimming
- Repetitive Sounds: Some individuals engage in vocal stimming by repeating sounds, words, or phrases. This can include humming, throat clearing, or echolalia, where a person repeats what they hear. Vocal stimming can calm the individual or provide a sense of familiarity in uncertain situations.
Visual Stimming
- Watching Moving Objects: People who stim visually may be drawn to spinning objects, flickering lights, or other moving visual stimuli. Watching these movements can be soothing or mesmerising.
- Hand movements in Front of Eyes: Some children, particularly those with autism, might wave their hands in front of their eyes to create visual stimulation. This can be a way to engage with and control their sensory environment.
Tactile Stimming
- Touching or Rubbing Surfaces: Repeatedly touching or rubbing textures like fabric, skin, or other surfaces can provide sensory satisfaction. This behaviour is often comforting and can help an individual feel grounded.
- Skin Picking: Skin picking, while often associated with anxiety, can also be a form of stimming. It can serve as a way to relieve stress or cope with overwhelming emotions. However, it may lead to physical harm if done excessively.
Motor Stimming
Motor stimming refers to repetitive physical movements that people engage in as a form of self-stimulation. Unlike tactile stimming, which involves repetitive touch actions like skin picking or biting nails, motor stimming focuses on larger body movements.
Common examples include rocking, pacing, flapping hands, jumping, twirling, and bouncing.
Why do People Stim?
Stimming is often a coping mechanism that helps individuals manage their internal world. Here are some common reasons why people stim:
- Sensory regulation: For some, stimming can help regulate sensory input. It might be a way to block out overwhelming stimuli or to seek out sensory stimulation.
- Emotional regulation: Stimming can be a way to manage strong emotions, such as anxiety, stress, or excitement. It can provide a sense of calm or focus.
- Focus and attention: Many people find that stimming helps them concentrate and stay focused on tasks. It can be a way to block out distractions.
- Communication: While not always intentional, stimming can sometimes be a form of nonverbal communication. It might convey emotions or needs that are difficult to express verbally.
How To Tell If You’re Stimming
- Self-Observation: Notice any repetitive behaviours, like tapping your fingers or making sounds, especially during stress or boredom.
- Repetitiveness: Stimming often involves repeating the same action without much conscious thought, such as clicking a pen or rocking back and forth.
- Situational Triggers: Reflect on whether these behaviours occur in response to specific emotions or environments, like anxiety or excitement.
- Emotional Response: If the behaviour helps you feel calmer, more focused, or less anxious, it’s likely stimming.
- Social Awareness: Recognise that stimming is a part of neurodiversity. If it becomes excessive or disruptive, consider seeking support.
Stimming and Autism
Stimming is often more pronounced and frequent in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, it’s important to avoid stereotypes and misconceptions: not everyone who stims has autism, and not all people with autism engage in stimming.
In those with autism, stimming can serve similar functions as in neurotypicals, such as regulating sensory input and managing emotions.
However, because of the differences in sensory processing and communication, the intensity and frequency of stimming may be greater. This is why it’s important to approach stimming with empathy and understanding, whether or not a person is autistic.
Conclusion
Stimming is a complex behaviour that is common among individuals, especially those with neurodevelopmental conditions like autism. It is a normal aspect of neurodiversity, with different forms and meanings depending on the person and their environment.
Recognising stimming, understanding its signs, and knowing when it might be problematic are important for supporting neurodivergent individuals. Although stimming can be helpful for self-regulation, it’s important to seek help if the behaviour becomes harmful or too disruptive.
Sources
- https://www.healthline.com/health/autism/stimming#TOC_TITLE_HDR_1
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-stimming
- https://www.health.com/condition/anxiety/what-is-stimming
- https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/behaviour/stimming
- https://www.research.chop.edu/car-autism-roadmap/stimming-what-is-it-and-does-it-matter
- https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/behaviour/common-concerns/stimming-asd
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