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What is an example of stimming in autism?
Have you ever noticed a small habit that helps you stay calm, like tapping your foot, biting your nails, or twirling your hair? These are forms of self-stimulatory behaviors that many people engage in, often without realizing it. For individuals on the spectrum, stimming in autism, or self-stimulatory behaviors, is a characteristic response to sensory input or emotional regulation.
In autism, stimming behaviors tend to be more intense and repetitive, becoming one of the diagnostic criteria outlined in the DSM-5. Moreover, according to the American Psychiatric Association, approximately 44% of individuals with ASD engage in stimming behaviors. These actions serve a functional purpose, often helping to manage overwhelming sensory input, express emotions, or self-soothe.
If you’re wondering what stimming looks like in autism, whether it can or should be “eliminated,” and how therapy can support individuals who experience it, keep reading. ABA Centers of Rhode Island will guide you through the nuances of this behavior and its role in the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
What is Stimming in Autism?
So, again, stimming refers to individuals who engage in self-stimulatory behaviors, including repetitive movements, sounds, or activities. These behaviors are a common way for individuals with ASD to process sensory input or regulate emotions. While everyone engages in some form of stimming, it is often more pronounced and persistent in people with ASD.
Examples of stimming include:
- Visual stimulation: Watching spinning objects or flickering lights.
- Auditory stimming: Humming, repeating phrases, or making vocalizations.
- Tactile stimulation: Rubbing hands together, tapping fingers, or scratching.
- Vestibular stimming: Rocking back and forth, spinning, or jumping.
- Proprioceptive stimming: Clapping, hand-flapping, or pressing against surfaces.
While these behaviors may seem unusual to those unfamiliar with autism, they serve a significant purpose for the individual, whether it’s calming an overactive sensory system or communicating feelings.
Why Do Individuals with Autism Stim?
Many individuals with autism experience heightened or diminished sensitivity to sensory input, which can make the world feel overwhelming or unpredictable. Stimming provides a way to:
- Self-soothe: Repetitive actions can help reduce anxiety or stress by offering a predictable and comforting experience.
- Express emotions: For those who may struggle with verbal communication, stimming can become a way to express excitement, frustration, or joy.
- Regulate sensory input: Stimming can either enhance sensory input for those who are under-stimulated or act as a coping mechanism to block out excessive stimuli.
Moreover, the study “‘People should be allowed to do what they like’: Autistic adults’ views and experiences of stimming“ explored how individuals experience and understand stimming. Participants generally found stimming to be automatic and involuntary but also calming and self-regulatory, helping them manage overwhelming emotions or sensory input. Two main themes emerged: (1) stimming as a tool for self-regulation and (2) the social stigma surrounding it.
According to the research, stimming was often a response to overwhelming environments, sensory overload, or noisy thoughts, creating a feedback loop that provided emotional relief. Despite its calming effects, participants highlighted the challenges of social judgment tied to this behavior.
Should Stimming Be “Eliminated”?
One of the most debated topics surrounding stimming is whether these behaviors should be eliminated. The short answer is no—not entirely. Stimming itself is not inherently harmful, and in many cases, it plays a crucial role in helping individuals with autism navigate their environment.
However, there are instances where stimming behaviors might require intervention:
- When they pose a risk to the individual’s safety (e.g., head-banging)
- When they significantly disrupt learning, daily activities, or social interactions
- When the behavior causes physical harm, such as repetitive scratching or biting
Rather than eliminating stimming, the focus of interventions is to understand the underlying cause of the behavior and address it appropriately. For instance, children can learn safer or more socially acceptable ways to self-soothe without compromising their need for sensory regulation.
How ABA Therapy Supports Stimming Behaviors
In the above cases, where individuals on the spectrum need a better coping mechanism to manage their sensitivities or anxiety and decrease stimming that can disrupt their well-being, various approaches can help. Often, professionals recommend behavioral techniques such as applied behavior analysis (ABA).
ABA therapy is one of the most effective approaches to understanding and managing stimming behaviors.
The goal is not to suppress stimming but to create a balance where the individual can thrive in their environment without undue restrictions.
- Identifying Triggers: ABA therapists work to understand what triggers stimming behaviors, whether it’s sensory overload, emotional stress, or boredom.
- Introducing Alternatives: If behavior is harmful or disruptive, therapists may teach alternative methods for self-regulation. For example, instead of hand-flapping, a child might be encouraged to use a stress ball.
- Building Communication Skills: Many stimming behaviors stem from a need to express emotions or communicate discomfort. ABA therapy emphasizes improving communication helping individuals convey their needs more effectively.
- Fostering Acceptance: ABA therapy also works with families and communities to increase understanding and acceptance of stimming, reducing stigma and creating a more inclusive environment.
Discover the Difference with ABA Centers of Rhode Island
At ABA Centers of Rhode Island, we’re committed to supporting individuals with autism and their families every step of the way. From early intervention and diagnostic services to in-center and in-home ABA therapy, our programs address the unique needs of every individual.
Stimming is just one of the many aspects of autism we embrace in our therapeutic approach. Our evidence-based strategies help individuals build essential skills while respecting their unique ways of experiencing the world.
Are you curious about how our personalized programs can support your family? Call us today at (855) 922-4184 or contact us online to learn how ABA Centers of Rhode Island can empower your child’s growth and development with expert care and compassionate guidance. Together, we can build a brighter future.
