Ending the Stigma Around "Stimming" in Autism & ADHD

Stimming is a coping mechanism and is a self-regulatory behavior.

In the past, there were programs and medical guidance that previously discouraged "stimming" behaviors; now, we understand they are self-regulatory behaviors used for coping and/or stimulating the nervous system for regulation. It is beyond time to end the stigmas around stimming behaviors and embrace them as a natural form of behavior for neurodivergent individuals, who experience sensory differences and a range of other things that contribute to their need for stimming.

Stimming helps Autistic, ADHD, or AuDHD individuals regulate their sensory experiences, manage sensory overload, and/or cope with anxiety or frustration.

It can also be a way to express emotion, excitement, or as a way to focus their attention. They may use stimming to help regulate the excess energy they feel physically or may even need it to deal with anxiety in an overstimulating environment.

Types of Stimming:

Auditory Stims: Humming, singing, making repetitive sounds, or covering ears(aversion).

Visual Stims: Flicking fingers in front of the eyes, staring at lights or spinning objects, or repetitive blinking. Watching moving water or other dynamic movement.

Tactile Stims: Rubbing or scratching skin, tapping objects, or touching specific textures (soft, smooth, etc). 

Proprioceptive Stims: Rocking, bouncing, spinning, running, swaying  

Other Vocal Stimming: repeating phrases (as seen in Gestalt language processing)

Examples of Stimming:

Hand flapping, rocking back and forth, pacing, spinning, finger flicking, tapping, repetitive blinking, fidgeting, hair twirling, knuckle or joint popping, nail biting, covering face, putting things in mouth or chewing on objects, clapping, pacing, head banging, etc.

Why Stimming Occurs:

Stimming is a natural response for individuals to regulate their senses and emotions. It can help them feel more comfortable and secure, or it can be a way to express emotions like excitement, or as a way to help them focus. 

Stimming is not Exclusive to Autism:

While stimming is common in autism, it's important to remember that not all individuals with autism engage in it, and not all individuals who stim have autism. For example, some people with anxiety and other conditions may also display stimming behaviors.

Managing Stimming When it's Harmful:

When stimming becomes harmful (e.g., hitting oneself), strategies like providing alternative sensory activities or something comforting to distract them, or suggesting a different form of stimming that is not as harmful, might help. When it becomes more extreme, it may be due to a "meltdown", a time when "fight or flight" can be triggered in the nervous system. Helping them de-escalate is the first step. Gently guide them towards a safer space or try to help them cope. Sometimes, they do just need space to calm down. It's important to help them regulate by maintaining our own reactions/presence/emotions in those moments. Giving space and approaching without judgment helps decrease the feeling of "threat" they might feel in that state.

A Neurodiversity Affirming View on Stimming:

The current neurodiversity affirming view is that stimming is often compulsive, for many, it's enjoyable and a way to reduce stress, and so it shouldn't be stopped or reduced unless it's escalating to self-injurious behavior.

To stop stimming requires energy to redirect from the natural expression they felt inclined towards. It's unkind to deny them the opportunity to seek comfort in themselves.

With a deeper understanding of these behaviors, we can have more empathy and understanding for them. Help