Stimming is one of the most common symptoms of autism in children. The term “stimming” comes from “self-stimulation” (often shortened to “stim”) and describes repetitive behaviors or movements.
Stimming does not only occur in children with autism. In fact, neurotypical individuals may also engage in stimming as a way to cope with stress, such as tapping their feet. However, stimming in children with autism tends to be excessive and disruptive.
What is Stimming in Children with Autism?
Stimming in children with autism refers to repetitive behaviors that occur continuously. These behaviors can involve body movements, actions, or sounds.
Some common examples of stimming in children with autism include:
- Clapping, snapping, or licking fingers repeatedly
- Rocking back and forth while sitting or standing
- Holding hands or fingers at specific angles
- Arching the body while sitting
- Staring at spinning objects, such as toy wheels
- Moving fingers near the eyes
- Repeatedly opening and closing doors (or flipping light switches)
- Humming or repeating the same words or phrases without understanding their meaning (echolalia)
- Listening to the same sound or song repeatedly
- Spinning or touching objects repeatedly
Causes of Stimming in Children with Autism
Stimming is actually a way for the body to manage and regulate strong emotions, such as anger, anxiety, and excitement. This is why even neurotypical individuals experience it.
However, in children with autism, stimming occurs excessively because they process information differently.
Generally, children with autism tend to have sensory processing disorders, causing them to experience stimuli differently. As a result, they may overreact or not react at all to external stimuli.
Excessive stimuli can trigger anxiety, leading to stimming as a way to self-soothe. In this case, stimming helps the child feel calmer. Additionally, stimming allows children with autism to focus on a single action, helping them manage overwhelming sensory input.
Children with ADHD may also engage in stimming.
Some common triggers of stimming in children include:
- Anxiety or stress
- Happiness or excitement
- Noisy and crowded environments
- Unfamiliar people
- Boredom
- Changes in routine, even minor ones
- Injuries
- Uncomfortable shoes or clothing
Is Stimming Dangerous?
Stimming is not inherently dangerous. In fact, it serves as a way for children to express and regulate their emotions.
However, in children with autism, stimming can sometimes lead to self-injury due to a lack of self-control.
One of the risks of uncontrolled stimming is physical harm caused by repetitive behaviors, such as excessive scratching, biting nails or hands, and repeatedly banging their head.
This is why both parents and children must learn how to manage stimming effectively.
How to Manage Stimming in Children
To help control stimming in children, several types of therapy can be beneficial, such as:
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- Occupational therapy
- Sensory integration therapy
- Adjusting the environment to reduce sensory overload
Besides reducing stimming, these methods can also help minimize other autism symptoms, allowing children to interact with their surroundings more effectively.
Consult with a pediatric developmental specialist or a child physiotherapist to determine the best therapy plan for your child. You can find top specialists at the Children’s Clinic at Mandaya Royal Hospital.
Equipped with specialized child development services, you and your child will receive the best therapy planning to optimize their growth and development.
Contact us via WhatsApp Chat, Book Appointment, or download the Care Dokter app on Google Play and the App Store to schedule appointments, monitor queues, and enjoy a more convenient consultation experience.
