Everything You Need To Know About Stimming

The term stimming may not be something you’ve heard of but you may engage in this behavior even without being aware of it. For those of you who are wondering what stimming is exactly, it can differ from person to person. For some, it may look like biting your cuticles or bouncing your leg incessantly under the table when you are feeling on edge. For others, it might be a more exaggerated motion, like flapping or full-body rocking. Do these mannerisms seem familiar to you? Stimming at its core refers to self-stimulating behavior that usually involves repetitive movements or sounds.

But why do people engage in this behavior? The answer is simple. To help relax the person doing the behavior as a coping mechanism. Stimming is usually done in order to reduce anxiety and adapt to an unfamiliar environment. They may not be elaborate movements either. In fact, some of the most common stimming behaviors can be things as simple as cracking your knuckles or tapping your pencil. It is important to keep in mind that almost everyone engages in some form of stimming behavior and for the most part it is completely harmless. The stimming behavior of your kids can also give you insight into how they deal with anxieties and stressors. So, if you’d like to know more about the different types of stimming and their symptoms, read on!

In This Article

Types Of Stimming

Types Of Stimming
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Stimming is popularly known as a tool used by children and people in the autism spectrum in order to self soothe but not everyone who engages in stimming behaviors is on the autism spectrum (1). However, it is important to keep in mind that stimming is one of the criteria used to diagnose autism. This doesn’t mean that a person necessarily is autistiic if they engage in stimming, just that it is part of the diagnostic criteria. For those with autism, stimming seems to help them manage their emotions when they feel overwhelmed, especially if they are exposed to many stimuli. Some types of stimming behaviors can be seen as a coping mechanism and self-soothing. However, every person uses stimming as a way to make them feel more at ease but they may go about it in different ways.

All people are different so it only makes sense that they would find different movements or gestures in order to calm themselves down. The different types of stimming can range from minimal to a more obvious type of motion. It can also be dependent on how the person is feeling. Parents can also observe certain movements that their children make to indicate when they are happy or stressed. For example, your little one may take to standing on their tip toes and flapping about when they are happy. Or they might wiggle their toes while eating to indicate that they like their food. If they stop these movements, you know they are not in a good mood.

Stimming Symptoms

Stimming Symptoms
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Understanding and being able to identify stimming symptoms has never been more crucial than now. According to the World Health Organization, about 1 in 100 children has autism (2). So parents and educators should be on the lookout in order to better aid kids with autism. Even other children being able to recognize stimming symptoms can increase the empathy they have for their siblings and fellow classmates. Stimming might even present itself differently in autistic individuals. Autistic individuals may rock back and forth, bounce and jump around, pace and walk on their tiptoes, pull their hair, blink repetitively, continuously repeat words or phrases, and lick or rub objects.

This kind of behavior can come off as odd and mockable to little kids which is why it is so important to teach your children to be kind when they notice someone exhibiting these mannerisms. Sometimes symptoms might be more obvious and may manifest as full-body rocking back and forth or flapping their hands, which can also go on for long periods. It is important to build social awareness around stimming and autism so that people are able to easily recognise it and don’t just view it as disruptive behavior. This way, the child, too, is able to get the help and attention they need as soon as possible.

How To Manage Stimming Behavior

How To Manage Stimming Behavior
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Don’t try to punish this behavior. Doing so will only result in your child swapping one type of stim for another. Instead you could introduce an alternate behavior to help meet the same needs. For example, if a child flaps their hands, try out a stress ball. The best thing you can do for your child is to teach them self management skills and the right tools to cope. The goal is to encourage self control while still figuring out why they think they require the stimming behavior in the first place.

Stimming may seem new to you but it is just another form of communication that your little ones use to let you know that they are stressed and overwhelmed. Now that you know how to recognise it and have a basic understanding of what it is, you and your baby are going to have an easier time learning how to deal with it. Happy parenting!

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