What is stimming?
The term ‘stim’ is an abbreviation of self-stimulatory. Autism stimming behaviors refer to the repetition of body movements, words, sounds, or movement of objects by individuals on the spectrum. It’s one of the most obvious characteristics of developmental disabilities, and is one of the diagnostic criteria for autism.
How is Stimming Different in those with Autism?
Neurotypical individuals too can engage in stimming. Biting nails, twirling hair, drumming fingers on a table or jiggling legs are subtler forms of stimming seen in most people. The main differences between typical stimming and stimming in people with autism lie in the quantity, type and the obviousness of the stereotypic behaviors.
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Behaviours can also be labelled as stimming based on whether they are socially or culturally acceptable. Fidgeting with an object while you are anxious or bored can be considered a more tolerable behaviour than flapping hands or rocking the whole body back and forth. Moreover, people with autism may not be adept at picking up social cues and gauging whether their behaviours are being disruptive. For instance, a neurotypical individual can stop tapping their foot if they notice the negative attention it draws. Those on the spectrum may not only be unaware but also may have less control over their stimming.
What Causes Stimming?
The exact causes of stimming are still unknown. There are a variety of emotions that can trigger stimming. Children with autism can stim when they are excited or happy. Boredom, fear, stress and anxiety can also trigger stimming. The intensity and type of stimming can vary from individual to individual. For some, the behaviours may be mild and occasional, while others may engage in stimming more frequently.
Some experts are of the opinion that stimming can be a way to stimulate the sensory system when there is a lack of adequate sensory input. Others suggest that autism stimming behaviors may be a diversionary tactic for relaxation when individuals on the spectrum get overwhelmed overwhelmed.
Managing Stimming
If you think your child is stimming because of anxiety, you can give them tools with which they can express themselves better. Using emotion charts and Augmentative and Alternative Communication Devices can help them convey their feelings better. Avaz AAC’s picture vocabulary has an emotions folder with which individuals having speech and language difficulties can communicate their feelings easier.
You can also use social stories to explain how to cope with their anger, stress, and other emotions.
Types of Autism Stimming Behaviours
Stimming can involve all the senses including visual, auditory, balance and movement, touch, smell and taste. Here are some of the common types of stimming:
Visual
Staring at lights.
Repetitive blinking.
Shaking fingers in front of the eyes.
Staring at spinning objects.
Gazing at objects such as screen savers ceiling fans.
Turning lights on and off.
Hand-flapping.
Eye tracking.
Peering from the corners of the eyes.
Flipping through books.
Auditory
Listening to the same songs or noises.
Making vocal sounds such as tapping ears, snapping fingers, humming, grunting, or squealing.
Tapping on objects.
Covering and uncovering ears.
Tactile
Rubbing or scratching the skin with hands or with another object.
Repetitive hand movements such as opening and closing one’s fists.
Finger-tapping.
Grinding teeth.
Biting fingernails.
Vestibular
Rocking front to back or side to side.
Spinning.
Jumping.
Pacing.
Olfactory
Sniffing or licking people or objects.
Chewing on things that aren’t edible.
Placing body parts within mouths.
Proprioception
Rocking whole body.
Swinging.
Jumping, pacing, running, tiptoeing or spinning.
Should Stimming Behaviors Be Controlled?
Stimming can be a harmless behaviour that people with autism use for self-regulation. It can help them reduce their anxiety. It can also be a way to calm themselves when they experience a sensory overload. So, many feel that stimming should not be controlled because it can take away a person’s coping mechanism for stressful situations.
However, some behaviours can be self-injurious and unmanageable. Head banging, excessive scratching, and pinching can cause serious physical pain. They can also interfere with a child’s learning and social interactions. If a child is staring at objects, it takes their attention away from classroom instruction. In such cases, stimming can be managed by appropriate interventions. Stimming is typically considered to be a response to insufficient sensorimotor stimulation. So, providing replacement behaviours such as squeezing a stress ball or engaging in sensory play activities that involve fine motor skills can help manage stimming.
Stimming behaviors should not be looked at as an embarrassing or inconvenient. Nor should they by any means be punished. One of the ways to manage stimming behaviours is by helping people with autism become aware of their triggers. Giving them alternative coping strategies and offering psychological support can also enable them to deal with their emotions in a more positive an safe manner.
If your 2 year does do some of these drumming techniques, is it confirmation that they are autistic?
No, children can stim regardless of autism. Anxious people can do it also. Typically if your child is constantly doing it and theirs other traits then I would definitely recommend seeing a development centre or speaking with one. Generally all children under 3 will display some stimming as they become more confident in language and environment.
When they stim, do they become upset if you were to disturb them mid stim? If so then, it may be worth looking into. Otherwise many grow out of their stims. If it progresses pass 3 and more frequently or affects development or so, look in to it further with a sensory and development profile with a children’s doctor.
what all activities can be given to reduce visual stimming( staring at fan)
Hello Krishna Priya,
Thank you for your inquiry. Our Speech-Language Pathologists suggest consulting with Sensory Integration Therapists or Occupational Therapists for personalized strategies. However, as a starting point, they recommend, considering introducing alternative behaviors to address the visual stimming behavior. For instance, parents can suggest activities like playing with a fidget spinner or watching videos of spinning fans. Encourage your child by saying, “How about trying out this fidget spinner? Let’s watch how the fan spins in this video.” These alternatives are not only visually similar but also socially acceptable. If your child still prefers staring at the fan, you can designate specific times for this activity, perhaps at home, to ensure it doesn’t disrupt other commitments. Additionally, if the stimming behavior occurs outside of the designated time, gently guide them towards the provided alternatives.
Remember that each child’s preferences are unique, and professional guidance from Sensory Integration Therapists or Occupational Therapists can provide further insights tailored to your child’s needs. This approach aims to offer a positive outlet for sensory experiences while promoting social acceptance and flexibility in various contexts.
Hope this helps!
– Team Avaz