What comes to mind when you hear the word stim? Most think of the stem of a plant or Stem (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) classes in schools. One of the words that is commonly associated with autism is stim or stimming. Stimming is clinically described as a self-stimulatory behavior and is characterized by repetitive motions, sounds and/or other behaviors.
Stims serve a purpose for the individual as they try to process the situation around them. Stimming is a way for the person to block out an incoming stimulus that is upsetting. It may help them relieve anxiety over changes in their routine, it may help if they feel overwhelmed by a situation or being in a new place, or it may be a way of showing excitement or happiness.
Some of behaviors most associated with stimming within autism include flapping of the hands, pacing, repeating words and phrases, shouting and there are many more. Unfortunately, some stimming behaviors result in self-harm and harm to others. If an individual is totally overwhelmed or upset in an environment, they could display aggressive behavior toward others or themselves.
A couple of examples of self-harm could be headbanging or picking of the skin resulting in sores and scabs.
Stimming is not limited to individuals on the autism spectrum and if you stop and think about your own behaviors you will most likely find that you also stim. Most of us do repetitive behaviors without even realizing that we are doing them. It could be wringing your hands when you are nervous, licking your lips, doodling on paper or tapping your foot.
However, it is easier for neuro-typical individuals to cease the behavior than those on the spectrum. A strange look from an individual in a public place or a family member bringing your actions to your attention could cause you to stop immediately. Stimming is mostly an uncontrolled action for someone on the spectrum. It is an action that they need to complete to regulate their feelings and emotions. They do not pick up on the social cues that others do so they will not have the same reaction as you or I may have.
Around our house we use the words "happy flappy" a lot. When Isabella gets excited, she will begin flapping and likes to run up and down the hall for a release of her excitement. When she is upset or angry, she will start tensing her body up and drawing her mouth in.
We are lucky that we see more happy flappy moments than the body tensing, and we have learned through the years what triggers a lot of her stims. This has led us to modify our schedules and our lives to keep the negative stims to a minimum and to cherish the happy flappy moments. Although we may tire of having the same “conversation” for days and weeks at a time, we realize that this is what helps keep her in a calm place.
Now for the Humphrey Family disclaimer: We are not experts in this area, we are only a household that experiences stimming daily. There are therapies and coaches that can help with stimming if the person is self-harming or being too aggressive.
There is also a fear among parents and caregivers that children will be bullied for their stimming reactions so they may try to minimize the stimming. Our hope is that people become more aware and socially accepting of these behaviors as they are educated about them.
Take a moment and find joy when you see a “happy flappy” person or have a moment of compassion when you see a family dealing with a meltdown.
In closing, Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours.