Stimming: A Self-Soothing Strategy for Autistic People

What is Stimming?

Stimming – short for “self-stimulatory behaviour” – is a form of self-soothing commonly seen in autistic people. It can involve repetitive movements, sounds, or actions and is commonly regarded in medical literature as part of “rigid and repetitive behaviour”.

Why is Stimming Important?

This type of framing tends to cast stimming in a negative light, leading health professionals, teachers and even parents to try to stop it. But stimming is a vital self-protective strategy for autistic people, and suppressing it can have serious consequences.

Types of Stimming

While stimming isn’t unique to autism, autistic people tend to stim more frequently and sometimes in more noticeable ways. It often involves physical movements such as hand-flapping, rocking, spinning or tiptoeing. Many autistic people also use different objects in repetitive ways, such as lining them up in patterns or keeping their hands busy with everyday items or stim toys.

Stimming Beyond Movement

But stimming goes beyond movement – it can involve any of the senses. Some people stim through sound, repeating words or phrases because they are satisfying to say or hear. Others engage in “scripting,” like having conversations that follow a set pattern or re-watching favourite films for the comfort of predictability. Oral stims, such as chewing on pens, clothing or “chewllery” are also common.

Masking: The Unconscious Act of Suppressing Stimming

The exact mechanisms behind stimming aren’t fully understood yet. But it is widely acknowledged that it provides soothing sensory input, helping autistic people cope with overwhelming environments. Suppressing stimming is uncomfortable and is one aspect of “masking” which is the conscious or unconscious act of not doing natural autistic traits to avoid negative social consequences.

Conclusion

It’s crucial for society – especially parents, teachers and employers – to become more accepting of stimming. Research shows that greater understanding leads to greater acceptance. The only instances where intervention might be necessary are when stimming is self-injurious or poses a risk to others, in which case a safer alternative stim should be encouraged. Otherwise, the best response is simple – let people stim freely. And if you’re autistic, research shows you can use it to bond with other autistic people.

FAQs

Q: Why is stimming important for autistic people?

A: Stimming is a vital self-protective strategy for autistic people, and suppressing it can have serious consequences.

Q: What are some common forms of stimming?

A: Some common forms of stimming include physical movements, such as hand-flapping, rocking, spinning or tiptoeing, as well as using different objects in repetitive ways, such as lining them up in patterns or keeping their hands busy with everyday items or stim toys.

Q: What is masking?

A: Masking is the conscious or unconscious act of not doing natural autistic traits to avoid negative social consequences, which can lead to increased anxiety, burnout, and even suicide.

Q: How can I support autistic individuals who stim?

A: By being accepting and understanding, and not trying to stop or intervene in their stimming, you can help them feel more comfortable and supported. Remember, the best response is often simply to let people stim freely.