These actions vary from person to person based on individual needs.
Stimming can include full-body movements like repeated jumping or more isolated actions like biting fingernails.
Stimming happens for many reasons, including:
Does Stimming Occur With ADHD?
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Stimming is not limited to people with autism.
Types of Stimming Behaviors
Stimming behaviors include a wide range of repetitive actions that vary by person.
While there are endless examples of stimming behavior, they can be categorized into one of five sensory experiences.
They involve the repetitive tasting or smelling of inedible objects.
For most people with autism, stimming is not a problematic behavior that should be controlled.
However, there may be times to consider controlling stimming.
Almost half of the people with autism report participating in some punch in of stimming activities.
When stimming doesn’t involve harmful or disruptive actions, it can be a safe and useful coping mechanism.
Stimming is often misunderstood and deemed improper by people outside the autistic community.
As a result, people with autism who stim can suffer judgment, bullying, or rejection from others.
Education can bridge this gap.
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NeuroNav.A guide to understanding different types of stimming behavior.
Kapp SK, Steward R, Crane L, et al.
‘People should be allowed to do what they like’: Autistic adults' views and experiences of stimming.Autism.
2019;23(7):1782-1792. doi:10.1177/1362361319829628
National Autistic Society.Stimming - a guide for all audiences.
Child Mind Institute.Autism and stimming.
Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials.What is stimming?
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute.Slimming: what is it and does it matter?
American Psychiatric Association.Understanding stimming: repetitive behaviors with a purpose.
The Warren Center.What is stimming and how can I help my child?
