Understanding Autism and Stimming in Pediatric Therapy

At our clinic, we recognize that each child perceives and interacts with the world uniquely. For children with autism, one method of communication or self-regulation may be through stimming.

What is Stimming?

“Stimming” is short for self-stimulatory behavior. There are many different forms of stimming, such as movement-based stimming, visual stimming, auditory stimming, tactile stimming, smell and taste stimming, and object-based stimming. Examples of these are listed below.

Movement-Based Stimming

• Rocking back and forth

• Jumping or bouncing

• Spinning in circles

• Finger flicking or wiggling

• Pacing or running back and forth

Visual Stimming

• Staring at lights or ceiling fans

• Watching objects spin (like wheels or tops)

• Repetitive blinking

• Moving fingers or objects in front of the eyes

Auditory Stimming

• Humming, squealing, or repeating sounds

• Tapping objects to make noise

• Repeating words, phrases, or songs (echolalia)

Tactile (Touch) Stimming

• Rubbing or scratching the skin

• Repeatedly touching certain textures or objects

• Hair twirling or pulling

• Chewing on clothing, pencils, or toys

Smell and Taste Stimming

• Sniffing objects, people, or hands

• Licking non-food items

• Smelling certain scents repeatedly

Object-Based Stimming

• Repeatedly opening and closing doors

• Spinning wheels or parts of toys

• Arranging items in a specific pattern

While stimming may look different from child to child, it often serves an important purpose.

Why Do Children Stim?

For many children with autism, stimming can be a way to:

• Regulate emotions – calming themselves when they feel anxious, excited, or overwhelmed.

• Process sensory input – managing how sights, sounds, textures, and other sensations feel.

• Express joy – showing happiness in a way that feels natural to them.

Is Stimming a Bad Thing?

Not at all! Stimming is a normal and important coping tool for many children. It only becomes a concern when it:

• Interferes with learning or daily activities.

• Poses a safety risk (e.g., head banging or skin picking).

• Makes it hard to connect with others.

How Therapy Can Help

In pediatric therapy, our goal isn’t to eliminate stimming but to understand its purpose and provide strategies when support is needed. This might include:

• Creating safe, appropriate ways for children to stim.

• Offering sensory tools (like fidgets, swings, or weighted items).

• Teaching self-regulation strategies in a supportive environment.

• Helping families understand when stimming is helpful vs. when intervention may be needed.

Supporting Your Child at Home

If your child engages in stimming, here are a few things you can do:

• Observe what triggers the stimming—it may give clues about your child’s needs.

• Provide sensory-friendly activities like playdough, swinging, or music.

• Celebrate stimming that expresses joy.

• Reach out to your therapy team if you notice stimming that feels unsafe or overwhelming.

Final Thoughts

Stimming is an integral aspect of the autistic experience, serving as a means for children to engage with their surroundings. At our pediatric therapy clinic, we collaborate with families to address the unique needs of each child, celebrate their strengths, and provide them with the tools necessary to succeed in various environments.