Stimming
Repeated, often rhythmic movements or sounds. In one study, adults on the autism spectrum mostly described stimming as a help for self-regulation.
- Also called
- self-stimulation, stereotyped movements
Stimming (from “self-stimulation”) means repeated, mostly rhythmic movements or sounds, for example hand flapping, rocking or humming. In assessment, “stereotyped or repetitive movements” count as a possible feature of autism; many adults on the autism spectrum call them “stimming”. [1] In a British interview study they described it as a help to regulate sensory overload, distressing thoughts and strong feelings, and often experienced stigma. [1] These are accounts of experience from a small, non-representative sample.
More: Stimming: understanding self-stimulation and sensory processing.
Sources and literature
- Kapp SK, Steward R, Crane L, Elliott D, Elphick C, Pellicano E, Russell G: ‘People should be allowed to do what they like’: Autistic adults’ views and experiences of stimming. Autism 2019;23(7):1782–1792. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361319829628 (Open Access, PMC6728747)
In detail: Stimming: understanding self-stimulation
Articles on this term
Knowledge articleUnderstanding autism
Stimming: understanding self-stimulation
Related terms
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