What Does Stimming Mean in Autism? Why It Happens and Examples
Learn what stimming means in autism, why it happens, and how ABA therapy can helps.
Stimming, short for self-stimulatory behavior, refers to repetitive movements, sounds, or actions common in autism. What does stimming mean in autism? It is a natural way autistic individuals regulate emotions and sensory input to feel calmer and more focused.
Common Types of Stimming
Stimming includes behaviors like hand-flapping, rocking, spinning objects, repeating sounds, or tapping fingers. These actions can involve any of the senses and vary from person to person.
Why Do Autistic People Stim?
Stimming helps manage strong feelings such as anxiety, excitement, or stress. It also helps cope with sensory overload or under-stimulation by focusing attention and providing comfort. Studies show many autistic children stim more under stress or in noisy environments.
Is Stimming Harmful?
Usually, stimming is harmless and serves important self-soothing functions. However, repetitive behaviors that cause injury or interfere with daily life might require support through therapy.
At Milestone Achievements, understanding what stimming means in autism helps tailor caring, effective therapies. To learn how we support children with autism in managing stimming and promoting growth, contact Milestone Achievements today.
Sources:
- https://www.leicspart.nhs.uk/autism-space/health-and-lifestyle/stimming/
- https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/behaviour/common-concerns/stimming-asd
- https://www.healthline.com/health/autism/stimming
- https://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/what-you-need-to-know-about-stimming-and-autism
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6728747/
- https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/about-autism/repeated-movements-and-behaviour-stimming
- https://theconversation.com/autistic-stimming-explained-and-why-stopping-it-can-lead-to-burnout-252088
- https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/understand-stimming-repetitive-behaviors-purpose
- https://www.drakeinstitute.com/what-is-stimming-in-autism
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319714
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/27546330241311096
- https://childmind.org/article/autism-and-stimming/
- https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/publications/neuroscience/what-new-research-revels-about-autism-stimming-and-touch
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stimming
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1750946721001392
- https://www.gold.ac.uk/news/stimming-and-social-acceptance/
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