Stimming

Stimming, short for self-stimulatory behaviour, refers to repetitive movements, sounds, or actions that people use to regulate their emotions, manage sensory input, or express themselves. While stimming is most commonly associated with autism, it is a natural behaviour observed in both neurodivergent and neurotypical people.

What does stimming look like?

Stimming can take many forms, including:

Movement: hand-flapping, rocking, spinning, jumping, pacing

Visual: watching spinning objects, flickering lights, fluttering fingers near the eyes

Auditory: humming, repeating sounds or phrases (echolalia), tapping ears

Tactile: rubbing fabrics, twirling hair, scratching, chewing or mouthing objects

Other: sniffing or licking objects, repetitive behaviours like repeating steps back and forth, shutting doors or turning switches on and off

Some stims are subtle, like pen-clicking or foot-tapping, while others-such as hand-flapping or vocalizations-may be more noticeable.

Why do people stim?

For many, stimming is a way to self-regulate -to cope with overwhelming emotions or sensory input, or to express feelings that are difficult to communicate verbally. In autistic people, stimming often serves several key purposes:

Managing Sensory Overload: Focusing on a repetitive action can help filter out overwhelming sights, sounds, or sensations.
Emotional Regulation: Stimming can soothe anxiety, excitement, frustration, or other intense emotions, providing a calming feedback loop.

Communication: Certain stims may signal how a person is feeling, such as flapping hands when excited or distressed.

Creating Predictability: The rhythmic, repetitive nature of stimming can provide comfort in unpredictable or stressful environments.

Connecting: In people who mask a lot, allowing themselves to stim in front of you can be a way of trying to connect with you or let their true selves out around you.

Autistic adults often describe stimming as an adaptive mechanism–a vital tool for coping with the world, rather than a behaviour that needs to be suppressed.

Who stims?

While stimming is common for children with autism and is included in diagnostic criteria as part of “restricted and repetitive behaviours and interests,” it is not exclusive to autistic people. Many non-autistic individuals engage in similar behaviours, such as hair-twirling, nail-biting, or foot-jiggling, especially when bored, anxious, or deep in thought. Stimming can also be seen in people with ADHD, sensory processing differences, anxiety, or learning disabilities, though it can play a more central role in the lives of autistic individuals.

Social perceptions and support

Stimming is sometimes misunderstood as disruptive or inappropriate, especially when it is visible or audible. However, efforts to suppress stimming can lead to increased distress or even burnout for autistic individuals. Many autistic adults advocate for greater acceptance and understanding of stimming, emphasising its importance for well-being and self-expression.

When stimming is harmful (such as self-injury) or severely interferes with daily life, it may be important to support your child to find alternative stimulation that gives the feeling they are looking for. Like swapping skin picking for a picky pads.

Stimming is a natural, often essential behaviour that helps many people navigate a complex and sometimes overwhelming world. Rather than viewing stimming as something to be eliminated, increased understanding and acceptance can foster environments where everyone can self-regulate and express themselves safely and authentically.