Does your child constantly wave his arms? Or does he stand in one place and rock back and forth? Maybe you yourself bite your nails when you feel a little worried or scared. These repetitive, sometimes strange behaviors are what we medically call 'self-stimulating behaviors' or `(Self-stimulating behaviors)`. The short name for this is `Stimming`. This is actually a way we use to deal with what our mind and body are feeling, that is, to control them.
What is 'Stimming' simply?
Simply put, `Stimming` is a repetitive behavior that we do unconsciously to deal with our emotions, calm our minds, or focus our attention. Think of twirling your hair or tapping your feet when you're bored. These are also `Stimming`. In fact, we all engage in small `Stimming` behaviors.
But these behaviors are often associated with conditions like `Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)` and `Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).` The reason is that people with these conditions experience the world in a way that can be very intense, meaning their senses. So they use something called `Stimming` to cope with those heightened senses.
Main types and examples of stimming
These behaviors can be divided into different types. Let's see what the main types are.
| Stimming Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Auditory | Tapping your fingers, tapping your ears repeatedly, listening to the same song or sound over and over again. |
| Vocal | Clearing your throat repeatedly, saying the same word over and over, mumbling softly. |
| Tactile | Rubbing or scratching the skin, stretching the wrist, hand flapping, tapping the table with the fingers. |
| Visual | Staring at lights, blinking frequently, rolling your eyes, and waving your fingers in front of your eyes as if the light is shining. |
| Vestibular | Walking back and forth in the same place, spinning around, rocking the body back and forth. |
| Smell and taste (Olfactory/Oral) | Constantly pushing people or things, chewing or licking various things in the mouth. |
The special connection between 'Autism' and 'Stimming'
Many people think of autism when they hear the word `Stimming`. There is a reason for that. A child or adult with `Autism` senses the world around them very intensely. For example, a sound that is barely audible to a normal person may be very loud to a person with `Autism`. Also, when there are too many sounds, too many smells, too many sights at once, their brains can't handle it. It's called `sensory overload`.
At times like this, `Stimming` is like a `safety valve`. That is, it is something that helps you release the pressure of that excessive stimulation, calms your mind, and makes you feel safe.
For example, a child with autism may jump up and clap their hands when they see something they like. This is a way of expressing their happiness. Echolalia , staring at a spinning object like a fan, and walking on their toes are also common behaviors seen among people with autism.
Do people with ADHD also have 'stimming'?
Yes. People with ADHD can also have `stimming` behaviors. But the reason for this is usually a little different. While people with `autism` use `stimming` to control too much stimulation, people with `ADHD` use `stimming` to stay focused , avoid boredom , or control their restlessness . For example, when there is a boring lesson in class, they shake their legs or tap their pen.
Do we need to stop this behavior? What should we do?
This is the question that many parents ask. "Oh, doctor, can't my child stop flapping his hands? Other people are watching."
The most important thing to understand here is that `stimming` is not a bad thing. It is a very important tool that a person uses to manage their emotions and sensations. Therefore, if the behavior is not causing any harm to that person or others, it is not something that should be stopped . Instead, it is more important to try to understand the reason for it by asking, "Why is my child doing this at this time?"
However, some `stimming` behaviors can be harmful. For example:
- Banging your head against the wall
- Biting or scratching oneself
- Pulling hair tightly
If your child is exhibiting this kind of self-harming behavior, it is definitely something to be concerned about. In such a case, do not delay and talk to your family doctor or a pediatrician about this. He or she will be able to find out the cause of this behavior and give you the necessary advice to manage it.
The following can help you manage, or control, harmless `stimming`:
- Understanding the cause: Notice when your child starts to ' STI mming'. Is it when they go to crowded places? When they hear loud noises? If so, you can avoid such situations or prepare your child for them in advance.
- A specific routine: Having a specific routine throughout the day can reduce a child's anxiety and fear. It can also reduce the need for `stimming`.
- Introducing 'Stim Toys': Instead of engaging in harmful behavior, you can offer a safe alternative to release that energy. For example, a child who bites their hand can be given a special chew toy that is designed to be chewed. Examples include stress balls that can be squeezed in the hand. These are also called `Stim toys` or `fidget toys`.
The most important thing is to view this behavior with compassion and understanding. It's not the child's fault. It's part of their being.
Take-Home Message
- ``Stimming'' is a normal behavior that we all engage in to some extent, helping us to control our emotions and sensations.
- These behaviors are more pronounced and frequent among people with conditions like autism and ADHD. It is a coping mechanism essential to their survival.
- If a behavior is not harming yourself or others, it is more important to understand the reason for it and allow it to happen rather than force it to stop.
- If your child engages in self-harming behavior , such as head banging, don't ignore it. Talk to a doctor about it right away.
- Instead of harmful behaviors, you can try to redirect that energy by providing safe alternatives like `Stim toys`.
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