What is Stimming?

Concentration aids (also known as fidget toys) are just one of the ways in which a child might be supported to stim safely

If you are a parent or carer of a neurodivergent, particularly an autistic child, you may have noticed them making repetitive movements, sounds, or behaviours—such as hand-flapping, rocking, humming, or tapping. This is known as stimming (short for self-stimulatory behaviour), and it is a natural and important part of how many neurodivergent people manage their emotions and interact with the world.

Stimming allows individuals to self-regulate emotions like anxiety, excitement, or frustration; better cope with sensory overload; express joy or comfort and focus or calm themselves. As is often the case stimming can look different for every child: some may pace or repeat words, while others might flick their fingers, chew their hair, or make noises. Sadly, many children (and adults) feel the need to suppress or hide these behaviours to appear more 'norma'l, or more accurately more neurotypical, which is known as masking. They may do this for various reasons, such as being told that stimming is “weird” or “disruptive”, particularly by teachers; because they fear being teased or excluded by other children or because adults (including parents) have explicitly or implicitly discouraged and/or punished stimming.

But stimming is not inherently problematic and creating a safe, accepting environment will go a long way to reducing the stigma that surrounds it. In the first place, it is important to normalise stimming by talking openly about it as a healthy and helpful way for your child to process internal and external stimuli and respond to their emotions. Let your child know it’s okay to stim and that you understand why they do it. Similarly, stimming should never be discouraged unless it's actively causing harm, and certainly never punished. Instead, if you are concerend that a particular stim may be harmful (as opposed to merely annoying) redirect your child to safer alternatives (e.g., offering a chewellry instead of nails or clothes). Make sure your child has places where they know they can stim freely, not only at home but also in school, and even in public. This will be easier if people around you also understand what stimming is and why it matters. Within the school environment you can ask for Reasonable Adjustments to be made to accomodate your child's need to stim. Fundamentally, stimming is not bad and provided it isn't harmful it doesn't need to be fixed.

SEND Advocacy can support you to advocate for your child and young person and obtain the support they require to thrive not just survive. If you need someone in your corner to help you secure the education your child deserves, contact SEND Advocacy today.