Expert Explained: What is Stimming

Stimmas are one of the diagnostic signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

What does Stimulate mean

“Stimming” (stim, stimulate) is a slang abbreviation for “self-stimulating behavior.”

In most cases, this behavior is a symptom of autism. In addition, very often this is the first or only sign of autism that strangers notice.

At its core, stimming is a way of self-regulation of one’s condition.

Self-stimulation provides feedback that can distract or encourage a person with autism.

For example, by using rocking, a person with autism can direct their mental, proprioceptive, tactile and vestibular senses to another task, and this will take their mind off what is bothering them.

What Stims do autistic people have

Typical examples of stimming are rocking, spinning in place, walking aimlessly, repeating individual words, shaking hands or fingers.

Motor stereotypies are not only found in autistic people, but in autism, the “stims” are often unusual, more obvious and attract the attention of others.

• Related news:
• autism
• mental health
• facts
• 16 November 2023

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