Understanding Stimming in Autism and ABA Support

March 11, 2025

What Exactly Is Stimming? Why Is It Sometimes a Crucial Aspect of Autism That Families Need to Address?

For parents and educators navigating the complexities of neurodiversity, stimming in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a behavior that can sometimes attract attention.

While everyone engages in some form of stimming (like tapping their foot or twirling their hair), it tends to be more pronounced in individuals on the autism spectrum.

Many people wonder: What exactly is stimming? Why is it sometimes a crucial aspect of autism that families need to address?

Research describes stimming in autism as a wide range of repetitive movements or sounds that serve specific functions for individuals.

In many cases, it allows individuals to express themselves and regulate their emotions in a way that feels natural to them.

It is essential to note that stimming isn’t always a behavior that individuals must stop unless it becomes dangerous or significantly limiting. Instead, it should be understood and supported in the appropriate ways.

This post by ABA Centers of Delaware unpacks the meaning, purpose, and types of stimming behaviors many with autism demonstrate.

We will also explore how applied behavior analysis or ABA therapy can offer practical and compassionate care for those on the ASD spectrum who need support with their stimming and other elements of life.

So, if you’re a parent raising a child on the spectrum or an educator seeking better ways to understand your students, please keep reading!

To learn more about ABA Centers of Delaware, click here. To read our other informative blogs about autism, ABA, and practical autism support, visit us here.

Understanding Stimming in Autism Spectrum

Autism research describes stimming as short for “self-stimulatory behavior” or stereotypy. It refers to repetitive movements, sounds, or other physical actions that individuals use to regulate their sensory input.

Stimming behaviors may include:

Hand flapping or arm waving
Rocking back and forth
Spinning in circles
Mouthing objects or repetitive chewing
Staring at lights or flickering objects

For many people on the spectrum, stimming is a form of self-regulation, a way to cope with overwhelming sensory environments, or simply an expression of joy.

It’s important to note that stimming itself is not typically harmful and is often described as soothing by those who engage in it.

In many cases, stimming is usually a misunderstood characteristic of autism that caregivers and others want their children to stop. However, this can be very uncomfortable for the person. Some describe not being able to stim as being unable to scratch an itch.

The Purposes of Stimming in Autism

In more detail, the purpose of stimming can include both internal and external factors, such as:

Self-regulation: Individuals with ASD often have trouble processing sensory information, leading to heightened arousal levels. Stimulating behaviors can help them self-soothe and calm down.
Expressing emotion: Stimming can also be a way for individuals on the spectrum to express their feelings, particularly when they struggle with verbal communication.
Seeking sensory input: For some individuals, stimming is a way to seek out sensory stimulation and engage with their environment.
Blocking out unwanted stimuli: Stimming can also serve as a protective mechanism for individuals who are oversensitive to specific sounds or sensations.

Types of Stimming Behaviors in Autism

Stimming behaviors are unique to everyone on the spectrum. They can vary in frequency and intensity depending on the situation.

Some common types of stimming include:

Visual: involves repetitive movements that stimulate the visual system, such as staring at lights or objects.
Auditory: includes repetitive vocalizations or sound-making behaviors like humming, clicking, or tapping.
Tactile: involves touching objects or surfaces repeatedly, rubbing the skin, or scratching oneself.
Vestibular: includes movements that provide sensory input to the vestibular system, such as rocking back and forth or spinning in circles.

Addressing Stimming with ABA Therapy

Stimming is a natural behavior and serves essential purposes. However, when stimming becomes dangerous or interferes with daily activities at school or home, it may be necessary to seek professional help.

In such cases, ABA professionals design treatment plans that they deliver through ABA therapy sessions, helping clients manage certain stimming behaviors.

Some ABA strategies and tools for addressing stimming in autism include:

Functional assessments – ABA professionals use functional assessments to determine the function of stimming behaviors. Next, they develop intervention plans accordingly.
Replacement behaviors – Instead of trying to eliminate a stimming behavior, ABA therapy focuses on replacing it with appropriate alternative behaviors that serve the same function.
Environmental modifications – Modifying an environment can help reduce or redirect stimming behaviors by removing triggers or providing other sensory outlets.
Positive reinforcement – Using positive reinforcers, like verbal praise and rewards, to encourage individuals to engage in more socially acceptable behaviors. This approach helps reduce stimming that may attract negative attention or carry harmful consequences.

ABA therapy techniques should be consistent and tailored to the individual’s needs and goals under the guidance of a trained professional.

Adaptive vs. Maladaptive Stimming

ASD professionals recognize that not all stimming behaviors require intervention. Adaptive stimming poses no harm and may even support well-being. Still, some stimming behaviors may become problematic, requiring thoughtful redirection or support.

Adaptive Stimming

Promotes emotional regulation or focus
Does not interfere with daily activities or learning
Does not result in physical harm or harm to others

Examples of adaptive stimming include tapping a pencil during class or lightly rocking in their seat.

Maladaptive Stimming

Causes self-injury or injury to others (e.g., head banging, biting)
Interferes with social interactions or educational progress
Becomes obsessive or highly disruptive

Examples of maladaptive stimming include repeatedly hitting oneself, spinning excessively to the point of dizziness, or disrupting classroom activities with loud vocalizations.

Empowering Families and the Autism Community Leads to Better Outcomes in Those who Stim

As our understanding of neurodiversity grows, so does our appreciation for the diverse ways in which people experience and interact with the world.

By embracing and supporting stimming behaviors, we can create a more inclusive society that celebrates all forms of self-expression.

Ultimately, stimming plays an essential role in the lives of individuals with autism. For families and educators wanting to understand better and support these behaviors, acceptance is crucial.

By recognizing the function and potential benefits of stimming, families can better recognize when intervention, like ABA, is necessary and is key to empowering individuals with autism to thrive.

So, let’s continue to learn, grow, and advocate for acceptance and support for individuals on the autism spectrum!

Learn More About ASD Stimming with ABA Centers of Delaware

Want to ensure your child or teenager gets the support they need?

Learn how our autism services at ABA Centers of Delaware can equip your family with the tools to understand and support behaviors like stimming and much more.

At ABA Centers of Delaware, our expert ABA team empowers families and the autism community by providing personalized strategies for understanding and supporting stimming behaviors.

Together, we can create a more informed and empathetic world for individuals on the spectrum and their loved ones. So, let’s keep the conversation going!