Types of Stims
Self-Stimming
- Visual: Triggered by or seeking lighting change - including flicking fingers in front of eyes, staring at ceiling fans, and repeated blinking.
- Auditory: Manifest as tapping on objects, snapping fingers, replaying songs, humming, repeating words or sounds, and tongue clicking.
- Olfactory & Taste: Involving smelling objects (even unpleasant odors), eating non-food items like paper, and licking body parts.
- Tactile: Such as rubbing skin.
- Vestibular & Proprioceptive: Including rocking, toe-walking, pacing, jumping, rolling, spinning, and throwing objects.
Self-Stims leading to Self-Injurious Behavior (SIB)
- Actions like head banging, biting one's own wrist, and excessive skin rubbing that can cause tissue damage.
Stimming on Objects/Activities:
- Lining up objects (e.g., lining up toys)
- Creating specific patterns with objects, rejecting all other arrangements.
- Spinning wheels on toys. Looking at the ceiling fan spinning.
Why do autistics Stim? Stimming behaviors can serve various purposes, such as:
- Reducing anxiety and calming oneself.
- Aiding in sensory and emotional regulation.
- Self-soothing, communicating, experiencing excitement.
- Coping with overstimulation or boredom.
- Avoiding tasks or seeking attention.
- Stimulating senses
- Expressing frustration, particularly in those with communication challenges.
- Easing pain or discomfort
- Could be indicative of seizure activity.
Differences Between Autistic and Non-Autistic Stimming:
The irony is that neurotypicals stim all the time too like the endless clicking of the TV remote, doodling, chewing the end of a pencil or pen, drumming fingers etc. NT stimming are regarded as "socially acceptable"
Autistic stimming often differs in its intensity and ability to be moderated/changed/stopped according to the situation.
How much stimming is too much:
- While some level of stimming can be calming, crossing a certain threshold may lead to behaviors resembling Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), further inducing anxiety.
- What might a mild, controllable/adaptable habit in an non-autistic, could become an unmanageable compulsion in a non autistic.
Stimming in autism is a multifaceted behavior with various forms and functions. Understanding these behaviors is crucial for providing appropriate support and interventions. It's important to recognize the individual needs and experiences of each person with Autism, as stimming serves different purposes and requires a tailored approach in each case.
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