Understanding Stimming: What It Is and Why It Matters

‘Stimming’ – clinically referred to as ‘self-stimulatory behavior’ – refers to repetitive body movements, movements of objects, or vocalizations completed by an individual. 

Although more commonly found in those with autism, stimming behavior can be exhibited by neurotypical individuals as well. There are many different theories as to why someone may stim – below we dive deeper into what stimming is, why it happens and common misconceptions associated with stemming.

Photo by Anna Louise on Unsplash

What stimming is (with common examples)

Stimming is when an individual makes the same movements or sounds repeatedly, often to serve a purpose such as helping to regulate emotions. 

Many people may stim without even realizing it. If you have tapped your food when impatient or twiddled your thumbs when bored, you would have been considered stimming – although it is rarely referred to in this way. There are many other different types of stimming including:

Auditory stimming: involves hearing and/or sounds, such as snapping your fingers, touching your ears, or listening to a sound repeatedly. 

Vocal stimming: involves making sounds with your voice or throat such as coughing, clearing your throat, repeating a word, or humming.

Tactile stimming: involves either touching or feeling, such as rubbing or scratching your skin, opening and closing your fists, tapping on an object or surface, or flapping your hands or arms.

Visual stimming: involves sight, such as looking at lights for an extended period or frequently blinking or rolling your eyes. 

Vestibular stimming: involves movement or balance, such as pacing or twirling. 

Olfactory stimming: involves tasting or smelling, such as sniffing or smelling things or people, chewing, or licking objects.

Full body stimming: involves movement of the entire body such as rocking your body back and forth or spinning. 

Within these types of stimming, there are some more commonly seen stims including:

• Biting your nails or skin when feeling anxious
• Twirling hair when feeling bored
• Flapping your hands when feeling excited
• Jiggling your foot when concentrating
• Banging your head when upset or angry

Many people exhibit stimming behavior while nervous, including tapping their feet or biting their nails. Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash.

Why do people stim?

Many people report they stim as a way to help adapt to their environments. Others have stated they stim to counteract an overwhelming sensory experience or as a way to reduce anxiety, and some people have simply felt the need for more sensory stimulation. 

There are many reasons why individuals feel the need to engage in stim activity, and it may vary from person to person. The most common theories are;

To regulate emotions 

It is commonly reported that autistic people use stimming for emotional regulation. In a study on autistic adults, participants reported stimming as a coping mechanism for dealing with anxiety (72%), overstimulation (57%), or to assist in calming down (69%). 

To show excitement or pleasure

Regulating emotions can apply to ‘positive’ feelings as well. When someone is very happy, enthusiastic, or excited they may need to manifest or regulate those emotions through clapping, jumping, or moving. 

It’s enjoyable

In the same study, 80% of people said they just liked the way stimming felt. Because it is a repetitive action, stimming can easily become a habit for individuals on the spectrum, purely because it is enjoyable to do, rather than for any of the self-regulatory benefits.

Brain dysfunction

There is research that may indicate brain dysfunction in the areas controlling these behaviors could be the reason behind stimming, or that the behaviors produce endorphins in the nervous system, explaining repeated usage. 

The reason for stimming can vary from individual to individual, and in some cases, self-stimulatory behavior may serve multiple purposes for any single person, however a good majority of the time it is triggered by the need for self-soothing. Self-soothing is something we learn as infants and children (sucking their thumbs for example), and while these behaviors tend to decline as we age, the need for self-soothing does not necessarily decline alongside this.

Common misconceptions around stimming

It is clear when stimming behavior prevents an individual from engaging in more meaningful activities, or has the potential to cause them physical harm, an effort should be made to stop or change the behavior.

This should not, however, be the one-size-fits-all approach to all stimming behavior, and the question of why should always be asked first. In the past, healthcare providers have focused on helping people minimize or hide stimming behavior, and while the intent may have been good, the outcome was not. It created a negative stigma around stimming and caused frustration for those being forced to stop.

There are clearly appropriate times and places where stimming can be done safely, and to great benefit to the individual. In these instances, it is not always the best course of action to halt the behavior. Analyzing and understanding the reason behind the stimming behavior can help guide families, schools, and employers in their reactions to stims, and determine a way to balance work, school or life needs with the self-regulation needs of the individual. 

For professionals who may work with these individuals exhibiting stimming behaviors, understanding their actions is essential. Those with online clinical mental health counseling qualifications or related degrees are especially well-prepared to recognize the underlying needs that stimming addresses.

The importance of understanding stimming

Without proper understanding, stimming can be lacking in social acceptance and the desire to eliminate the behavior can be strong. Autistic adults have helped highlight the importance of stimming, however, and how it can help reduce anxiety, calm an individual, or help cope with sensory overload. 

Through proper education and greater awareness, the stigma surrounding stimming can be removed and individuals should be able to practice the behavior provided it is safe for themselves and those around them. Stimming is a form of adaptive behavior that is used as a tool, and with greater understanding of this comes greater acceptance.