Autism stimming is often misunderstood by neurotypical people and even those on the spectrum. This lack of understanding has led to confusion, stigma, and missed opportunities for support. We hope to improve these issues by spreading information about stemming behaviors in this post. We’ll share the definition of stimming, autism stimming examples, and more. Whether you have autism, love someone with the condition, or simply want to know more about stimming, read on.
What is Autism Stimming?: A Simple Definition of Stimming
The term “autism stimming” (also called stereotypy) refers to self-stimulating behaviors seen in people with autism. They tend to be repetitive in nature and don’t have an obvious purpose. People on the spectrum may exhibit this behavior for one or more reasons, including:
- To help them adapt to their environments.
- For self-stimulation and sensory regulation.
- Because it feels good to their brain.
It’s also theorized that stimming is uncontrollable and caused by brain dysfunction.
Autism Stimming Examples
How do you know that someone is stimming? You can typically tell by looking at or listening to them. Here are some autism stimming examples to keep in mind:
- Hair pulling.
- Getting on tiptoes to pace or walk around.
- Jumping, flailing, or bouncing.
- Snapping fingers.
- Rocking back and forth.
- Scratching or rubbing at the skin.
- Blinking repetitively.
- Head banging.
- Sore/scab picking.
- Hugging themselves or others.
- Rolling themselves up in a blanket.
- Putting things in the mouth that aren’t edible/safe.
- And more.
When to Allow Stimming
In situations when stimming doesn’t hurt anyone/cause difficulties, feel free to allow it. It’s a great stress-reduction practice and often a source of enjoyment for those with autism.
When to Intervene
For the most part, it’s essential not to intervene when someone is stimming. However, there are two instances when it makes sense to intervene and stop the stimming behavior.
- They are disrupting others or causing harm.
- The stimming is a barrier to learning.
- It could negatively impact personal or professional opportunities.
Tips for Caregivers and People with Autism
If you’re a caregiver, educator, or loved one of someone with autism, the ideal course of action is to observe first, suppress judgment, and ask questions. In addition to that, here are some additional tips to support someone who stims:
- Create safe stimming spaces at home, school, or work where self-regulation can happen without fear or interruption.
- Offer alternatives only when a behavior is unsafe or interfering with a meaningful goal, and do so with patience and empathy.
- Practice self-advocacy if you’re autistic: It’s okay to ask for accommodations and explain why certain stims help you function best.
So, there you have it – everything you need to know about autism stimming. We hope you found all the information you were looking for, and we wish you the best as you learn more about neurodiversity. d
