Understanding Stimming in Autism: What It Is and Why It Happens

Stimming is a term often used when discussing autism, but it is something many people experience in different ways. Short for “self-stimulatory behaviour,” stimming refers to repetitive movements, sounds, or actions that help a person regulate their emotions, manage sensory input, or express how they feel. For autistic individuals in particular, stimming can play an important role in maintaining balance in overwhelming, exciting, or stressful situations. Understanding what stimming is, why it happens, and how to respond to it with support and acceptance can help create more inclusive and comfortable environments for autistic people.

What is stimming, and why does it happen? 

Stimming in autism refers to repetitive behaviours that an individual will carry out to help manage and reduce excess energy and soothe themselves. Many autistic people will use stimming to regulate their nervous system, and this can happen in a number of circumstances, such as needing to calm down from something overwhelming, staying focused or an expression of excitement or joy. 

What does stimming look like?

The most common forms of stimming include body movements such as flapping arms or hands, spinning or rocking. There are plenty of other, less noticeable ways for someone to stim. These could include using words or noises to hum, repeating certain phrases, focusing intensely on lights or patterns, listening to the same song repeatedly or stroking fabric. 

Is stimming harmful?

Most stimming is harmless and is a great way for someone to release an energy build up, it may look unusual at times, but it doesn't hurt the individual or others. It can be a natural, normal act which helps calm the senses. However, there are some forms of stimming which can be physically harmful, such as biting, picking skin or head banging. In these harmful situations, support may be needed to help understand what is triggering the person to stim (environment, change to routine, sensory overload, etc.) and explore other ways in which they can try to soothe themselves. 

Stimming in Adults

Stimming will remain throughout an individual's lifetime; the act may change as someone gets older. Adults may find a more discreet way to stim whilst in a workplace or public setting. This may be a result of being told to stop as a child, at school or due to social pressures. Instead of body movements, an adult may repeatedly tap their pen at work, play with their hair, wriggle their toes inside their shoe or click their fingers inside their pocket. Many may stim discreetly in public, then revert to a more open form once in a less public environment or feel safer to express themselves. 

Ways to support

Should you notice stimming in your child, it is important to let them know that it is OK and to make them feel supported and comforted. It may be useful to inform the school and explore using different fidget items which they can take to school or keep with them in social situations, or discuss movement breaks. If harmful stims are frequent, weighted blankets or squeezable toys may be able to be used as a safer alternative. Supporting any person who stims is best approached through acceptance and understanding, helping to reduce sensory triggers and creating a safe, trusted environment so they can express themselves freely.

If you would like to explore autism further, a professional assessment can provide clarity and guidance on the next steps. Mentalwell offers comprehensive autism assessments for both adults and children, conducted remotely to make the process accessible and convenient for families across the UK. Our pathway includes a detailed clinical interview, an observational assessment where appropriate, and a feedback appointment where the clinician explains the outcome and recommendations. These assessments are designed to provide a clear understanding of an individual’s experiences and to support them in accessing the right resources and support moving forward.