Stimming is short for self-stimulatory behavior, which is a repetitive movement or sound that an individual engages in to cope with emotions. It is commonly associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) . Stimming can include a wide range of behaviors, such as hand flapping, finger flicking, rocking, jumping, spinning, twirling, head-banging, and complex body movements. It can also involve the repetitive use of an object or repetitive activities involving the senses, such as repeatedly feeling a particular texture.

Stimming seems to help autistic children and teenagers manage emotions like anxiety, anger, fear, and excitement. For example, stimming might help them to calm down because it focuses their attention on the stim or produces a calming change in their bodies. Stimming isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as long as it doesn’t hurt the individual. However, some stimming can be ‘self-injurious’ – for example, severe hand-biting. Stimming can also affect an individual’s attention to the outside world, which in turn can affect their ability to learn and communicate with others.

Many autistic people feel they should be allowed to stim because stimming helps them to manage emotions and overwhelming situations. But if stimming is hurting the individual or affecting their learning, social life, and so on, it might be best for them to stim less often. You might be able to reduce the need to stim by changing the environment or helping the individual with anxiety. Also, stimming often reduces as the individual develops more skills and finds other ways to deal with sensitivity, understimulation, or anxiety.

In summary, stimming is a self-stimulatory behavior that individuals engage in to cope with emotions, and it is commonly associated with autism spectrum disorder. Stimming can include a wide range of behaviors, and it seems to help autistic individuals manage emotions. However, if stimming is hurting the individual or affecting their learning, social life, and so on, it might be best for them to stim less often.