Stimming

Stimming, or self-stimulatory behaviour, is a valuable and natural way for children to manage their emotions, sensory experiences, and energy.

Stimming involves repetitive movements, sounds, or behaviours that help children regulate their feelings and sensory input. Sometimes children stim when they are happy, excited, sad, anxious or bored.

It can look different for every child and is a powerful way for them to express themselves and feel comfortable in their environment. Stimming is not just about coping—it can also bring joy and help children engage with the things they love.

Stimming is a powerful tool for coping with the world, and suppressing it can lead to emotional overwhelm, meltdowns, or burnout over time. Unless stimming becomes harmful, it’s best not to discourage it.

Common Types of Stimming

Stimming can involve different parts of the body or senses. Some examples include:

• Movements like hand flapping, spinning, rocking, dancing, pacing or tiptoe walking.
• Noises such as repeating words or sounds (echolalia), humming, or making other noises.
• Touching or picking things like twirling hair, rubbing fabrics, flicking through books, tapping fingers, or wriggling toes inside shoes.
• Watching lights, patterns, or objects move.
• Making sounds to create an echo or covering the ears to control noise.
• Smell-based stims like seeking out favourite scents.
• Biting nails, chewing hair, clothing or objects such as pen tops.

Stimming is a natural and important part of how many autistic people self-regulate. By understanding and supporting it, you can help your child feel more comfortable and in control in their world.

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When Stimming might lead to injury

Some parents worry about harmful stimming, like headbanging or finger biting. Pain can be a strong distraction and may be used to block out other overwhelming sensations. If you’re a parent or caregiver, watching for triggers and trying to remove stressors can help.

Speaking to an Occupational Therapist is recommended to help find strategies to replace harmful stims with safer-alternatives.  Some safe stims an Occupational Therapist might suggest trying include:

• Deep pressure activities like squeezing an object or giving a bear hug
• Vibrating or weighted sensory toys
• Listening to loud, rhythmic music
• Strong movements like spinning or swinging
• Taking a cold shower or washing hands in cold water
• Using sensory or chew toys

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Tics Vs Stims

Sometimes, stims are mistaken for tics and vice versa.

Tics are usually fast, repetitive muscle movements that are harder to control.

With tics, children often do not want to or do not have a choice in engaging in the action. Another difference is that stims usually bring about joy; children are unlikely to initiate their tics voluntarily and do not typically get a feeling of joy or regulation from their tics.

The National Autistic Society provides more information on stimming.