- Stimming means repeated movements or sounds, like flapping, rocking or humming.
- It often helps kids calm down, focus or show joy.
- Most stimming is harmless. It doesn't need to stop.
- Step in if it's causing injury, and offer a safer way to meet the same need.
What is stimming?
Stimming is short for self-stimulatory behavior. It means repeating a movement, sound or action, such as:2
- Movement: hand flapping, rocking, spinning, jumping, pacing
- Sound: humming, squealing, repeating words or phrases
- Touch: rubbing fabric, tapping, chewing on clothes
- Sight: watching things spin, flicking fingers in front of eyes, lining things up
Everyone stims sometimes: bouncing a knee, clicking a pen, twirling hair. Autistic kids often stim more, and in ways that are easier to see. Repetitive movements are one of the things clinicians look at in an autism evaluation.3
Why do autistic kids stim?
Autistic adults describe stimming as useful. In one study, they said it helps them:1
- Calm down when things feel overwhelming
- Focus or think
- Show feelings, especially excitement and joy
- Block out too much noise or light
Many said being told to stop as children was stressful, and that holding it in made it harder to cope.1
Should I try to stop my child from stimming?
For most stimming, no. If it isn't hurting anyone, it's doing a job for your child.
It can be worth stepping in when stimming:
- Causes injury, like head banging, biting or picking skin
- Gets in the way of something your child wants to do, and they'd like help
- Suddenly increases a lot, which can be a sign of stress, pain or illness
- Letting harmless stims be
- Offering a safe alternative, like a chewy necklace or squeeze toy
- Looking for what's stressful when stimming increases
- A quiet space to move freely
- Holding hands down or telling your child to stop
- Rewarding your child for "quiet hands"
- Removing stims without replacing the need
What if people stare?
It can feel hard. A short, calm line can help: "He flaps when he's happy." You don't owe anyone an explanation. Your child's comfort matters more than a stranger's opinion.
What can I try this week?
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Read next: What is sensory overload?
