Autistic Stimming Behaviors: Why We Do It and How It's Important
We all stim. That’s one thing to put out there up front. Everyone does it in some way or another, at some time or another. In other words, autistic stimming behaviors aren’t just for those on the spectrum. Rather, they are a human behavior most of us do.
So, what is stimming anyway?
Stimming is basically self-stimulatory behavior and repetition of physical movements, sounds, words, of moving of objects in a set way. Stimming can be any type of repetitious behaviors, such as hair twirling, fingernail biting, tapping fingers on a hard surface, cracking knuckles, slapping the knee, or tapping a foot.
They can also include tactile responses like stroking a soft item, repeating phrases, rocking back and forth, or humming parts of a song again and again.
Does any of this sound familiar? I’m betting it does.
So, having answered that everyone stims at some point in some way, the question of this article is why individuals with autism stim.
It’s not that we do it. It’s why we do it, and why those on the spectrum are perhaps more likely to have autistic stimming behaviors in a more pronounced or dramatic way (although that is a stereotype and not always true).
Why Do We Stim?
The short answer to why people on the spectrum often exhibit autistic stimming behaviors is simply that it makes them feel better.
Stimming is typically self-soothing and provides a sense of calmness or comfort to a person.
Autistic stimming behaviors can help individuals in high stress situations to be able to better cope. It can also be something for people to do when they are bored.
Why Stimming is A Clue for Autism
Now that I have just said that everyone stims in some way, why is it that stimming can point to a possible diagnosis of autism?
Stimming isn’t always related to autism. However, autistic stimming behaviors in people with ASD can sometimes overtake their lives and create out-of-control behaviors in some.
Early diagnostic criteria (especially with children) can include hand flapping, spinning, walking backwards, repeated words or sounds, or lining up everything in a particular way. It’s just one of the clues professionals may use to make a diagnosis.
What Makes Stimming By an Autistic Person Different?
A difference between neurotypical individuals and neurodiverse ones can manifest itself with autistic stimming behaviors.
Most people can recognize when it’s time to stop annoying behavior, such as drumming fingers on a desk or repeatedly bouncing a ball against a wall and catching it. 
Annoyed looks by others or someone saying something is enough to end the behavior.
In a person with autism, autistic stimming behaviors could be even more pronounced at times, like excessive babbling of words or phrases, loud humming or sing-song noises, twirling around, picking at the skin, or rigorously moving hands in some fashion.
Of course, this is not the same with everyone. These are just examples. Also different is that the autistic person may not pick up on social cues that what he is doing is annoying.
Or, in some cases, the person exhibiting autistic stimming behaviors may seemingly be unable to stop doing it, even after being told by someone to quit doing it.
When Stimming is an Issue
Continuously stimming in a way that is irritating to others can lead to becoming a social misfit. Pronounced autistic stimming behaviors can cause issues at school or work because it is so distracting.
In some cases, like banging a head on the wall or pulling hair out, autistic stimming behaviors can become a physical or mental health concern.
On one hand, stimming helps those with autism make sense of their world and space. It can be a positive coping mechanism that provides a sense of control.
But it can also be challenging for autistic individuals to stop doing an action, even when someone misinterprets their behavior and/or expresses that it is very disruptive.
Understanding the Stim
Understanding and supporting stimming behaviors is a very important part of creating a supportive and inclusive environment for individuals with autism.
The confusing part for many is that it isn’t always easy to identify a reason for stimming, and without that reason, makes it more difficult to stop or redirect a behavior.
9 Reasons Why People Stim:
- Reduce anxiety
- Remain calm in a stressful situation
- Stimulate the senses when bored
- Avoid sensory overload through a self-redirection
- Express frustration
- Feel more in control in a new or uncomfortable environment
- Improve emotional well-being
- Get attention
- Avoid attention or activities
As you can see, people can stim for a lot of reasons. And for those who have issues with communications, the reasons may not be able to be articulated or explained.
Do I Stim?
Some people say I stim sometimes, but I don’t think so. I play with some random objects around me or move my arms around when I’m bored, but lots of people do that.
So I wouldn’t say that’s an autism thing, but some of my friends and family members say it is an autism thing. So I guess it’s open to interpretation.
My family also says I may rock when standing up for long periods of time and I seem to have secret jokes in my head that make me laugh out loud at times.
If those are autistic stimming behaviors, my actions are due (I believe) because I am restless, and am essentially entertaining myself.
Do’s and Don’ts for Stim Situations
If you notice autistic stimming behavior from your child or loved ones, I think that unless the situation really requires a different action, to not make them feel bad about it.
Here are 9 do’s and don’ts when around autistic stimming behavior.
- Don’t make the person feel embarrassed or even ashamed. While there are cases it can’t be continued for safety or appropriate reasons like yelling during a movie, in other cases let the person stim.
- Do make sure you acknowledge that it isn’t a problem overall. Try and emphasize there may be a reason it needs to be addressed, and possibly redirected.
- Don’t insist or force someone with autism to stop stimming. It can be unhealthy or even dangerous in some issues.
Again, there may be a reason the stimming behavior can’t continue at a particular moment or occasion, and hopefully there is a substitute that can be provided (such as a fidget toy or game on the phone that can redirect).
- Don’t try to stop someone from stimming altogether. It doesn’t help, typically doesn’t work, and in many cases it can just make things worse for the person.
It also ignores the core reason the person is stimming in the first place.
- Do research or talk with professionals on the best way to help your child or loved one with stimming. Work together to try and determine a better path and outcome.
- Don’t laugh at or mock a person who is stimming. Some of the behaviors may look silly or awkward, but if there is no health risk and it makes them feel better and happier, then it is a form of effective self-therapy.
- Do empathize with and accept the person who is stimming, even when behaviors may embarrass you.
- Do help the person try different methods for regulating their stress and emotions in a healthy way.
For some, it can be as simple as counting to 10, distraction with chewing gum, or by walking away and being alone for a few minutes.
- Don’t feel that you or the person with autism and autistic stimming issues has to try and do this alone.
Therapists or specialists have great ways to try to accomplish positive feelings and calmness, without stimming.
Understanding your child’s (or friend or partner) autistic stimming behaviors is very important for a positive and trusting relationship.
Creating a good relationship through understanding and compassion will allow the person with autism to thrive and to live their best life. Your loved one will absolutely thank you in the future for it.
Other Common Autistic Behaviors
There are many behaviors associated with having autism. Keep in mind that everyone presents differently, which is why it is caused a spectrum disorder. However, there are common autism behaviors. Learn more about them.
- Autism and Eye Rolling: Why It’s Odd, But Perfectly Okay
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- Understanding Neurodiversity: Uprising of the Neurodivergent
- Autism and ADHD: Making Sense of the Overlap
- Autism Masking & Code Switching: How to Redefine Acceptance
- OCD and Autism: Could You Have One Condition or Both?
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