What is Stimming? Understanding Self-Regulation in Autism & ADHD
By: DeAnn Winn
If you are neurodivergent, you may have experienced or noticed repetitive behaviors known as "stimming." What is stimming, and why is it essential for neurodivergent individuals? Discover how it helps with self-regulation, emotional expression, and advocacy for autism & ADHD.
What is Stimming?
Stimming—short for self-stimulatory behavior—refers to repetitive movements, sounds, or interactions with objects that stimulate the senses. Some common forms of stimming include:
Physical Movements: Hand-flapping, rocking, pacing, or other rhythmic body motions.
Vocalizations: Humming, repeating words or phrases, or making various sounds.
Object Interaction: Spinning objects, tapping, or fidgeting with items.
While everyone engages in some level of stimming—like tapping a foot when nervous—it’s much more common among neurodivergent individuals, especially those with autism and ADHD. For many, stimming is a vital way to regulate sensory input and manage emotions.
Why is Stimming Important?
Stimming isn’t just a habit—it serves several essential functions:
Sensory Regulation: It helps process overwhelming sensory experiences by providing predictable and controllable input.
Emotional Expression: When words aren’t enough, stimming can express feelings like excitement, anxiety, or frustration.
Self-Soothing: It helps regulate the nervous system, easing stress and promoting relaxation.
Suppressing stimming behaviors can increase anxiety and negatively impact mental health. Embracing stimming as a natural aspect of neurodivergence fosters self-acceptance and overall well-being.
Stimming in ADHD and Autism
Though stimming is often associated with autism, it is also common in individuals with ADHD. While the reasons behind stimming may vary, the core purpose remains the same: self-regulation and managing sensory overload.
For those with ADHD, stimming can manifest as leg bouncing, tapping objects, or doodling. These repetitive actions help maintain focus, reduce restlessness, and alleviate feelings of being overwhelmed. Since ADHD often involves hyperactivity or difficulty sustaining attention, stimming provides an outlet that enhances concentration and offers a sense of control in chaotic or overstimulating environments.
Meanwhile, individuals with Autism often use stimming to process sensory sensitivities and regulate emotions. These behaviors may include repetitive movements like pacing, rocking or engaging in structured routines that offer predictability and comfort. Because people on the autism spectrum experience heightened sensory input, stimming helps them navigate a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming.
In both ADHD and autism, stimming is not a negative habit that needs to be eliminated. Instead, it is a functional and beneficial behavior that aids emotional well-being and cognitive processing. Recognizing and normalizing stimming in neurodivergent individuals is an important step toward fostering inclusivity and self-acceptance.
Advocating for Your Right to Stim
Despite its importance, stimming is often misunderstood. Many neurodivergent individuals face judgment or pressure to suppress their natural behaviors, which can lead to increased stress and discomfort. Here’s how you can advocate for yourself and others:
Educate Others: Help people understand that stimming is a necessary self-regulation tool rather than a disruptive or harmful behavior.
Set Boundaries: Be confident in asserting your right to stim, especially when it doesn’t negatively impact others. For example, “I know my hand-flapping might seem unusual, but it helps me focus and feel comfortable.”
Seek Support: Connecting with neurodivergent communities—both online and in person—can help you find encouragement, share experiences, and develop self-advocacy strategies.
Provide Resources: Share articles, books, and videos that explain the significance of stimming to help spread awareness and foster understanding.
For many neurodivergent individuals, stimming is more than just a habit, it is a vital coping mechanism that helps regulate sensory input, express emotions, and maintain a sense of calm. Understanding its purpose and confidently advocating for your right to stim can contribute to improved well-being and help create a more inclusive world. Instead of feeling pressured to mask or suppress these behaviors, embrace your neurodivergent identity and the unique ways you engage with the world. Read more about ADHD and autism in our related blogs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
References:
https://www.research.chop.edu/cornerstone-blog/stimming-what-is-it-and-does-it-matter