What is a self-stimulating behavior? Should you stop it? How can you redirect it?
Stimming
Everyone engages in self-stimulating or "stereotypic" behaviors, but in an individual with ASD stimming can present in more intense or less socially-acceptable ways. Stimming, by definition, is a self-stimulating behavior that typically involves repetitive movements or sounds. Although everyone stims, self-stimulating behaviors are part of the diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder due to the intensity and frequency. Typically, stimming can present as hand flapping, rocking, repeating phrases, spinning wheels on a toy, and making other repetitive movements or vocalizations.
Understanding Stimming
In the past, it was thought that stimming was a behavior that interfered with a child's ability to learn. However, new studies have shown that stimming may be a helpful coping skill for individuals to help them focus!
There isn't only one reason that individuals with ASD stim, and therefore there isn't a one size fits all answer to why someone stims. For example, if a child is feeling overstimulated or anxious in a new environment, they may engage in stimming such as vocalizations or rocking. This can help the child cope with their anxiety. Another individual may stim while watching a TV show that they enjoy as a way to express their joy through flapping.
Stop Stimming?
The current understanding of stimming is that it helps an individual cope with the external environment. Therefore, if you try to stop them from stimming, you are essentially taking away their ability to cope if the stimming isn't replaced. Instead of stopping a child from stimming, you could look into ways to redirect their stimming. For example, a child who often claps their hands and vocalizes repeatedly could be encouraged to pat their legs and hum quietly in a setting where their preferred stim may be disruptive. Additionally, if you find that your child is very internally preoccupied you can work on reducing the stimming so that they are able to engage in activities, but not completely eliminate their stimming.
Have you noticed your child or student stimming? What are some ways you have supported them? Comment below!
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