Stimming
Also called: self-stimulatory behaviour, self-regulation
Definition
Stimming is self-stimulatory behaviour — repetitive movements, sounds, or actions such as rocking, hand-flapping, or humming — that many autistic people use to self-regulate, focus, or manage sensory input and emotions.
Stimming is a natural, usually helpful form of self-regulation — not something to be “fixed.” It can help a person stay calm, focus, cope with strong feelings, or manage overwhelming sensory input.
An affirming approach respects stimming and, where a specific stim is unsafe, gently offers alternatives rather than suppressing the need. Reducing sensory overload often reduces distress-driven stimming.