While stimming is not a direct diagnostic criterion for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), individuals with BPD may exhibit repetitive, self-soothing actions that serve a similar purpose to stimming.
However, upon closer examination, there is a BPD and autism overlap since since these two conditions share features which can lead to misdiagnosis in some cases. Both feature a difficulty with social interaction, interpersonal skills and maintaining relationships.
While they may seem distractive or disruptive, and while it may not be obvious to others, stimming often serves a purpose for the individual. Stimming is most commonly seen in children with autism or intellectual disability, but it also occurs in typically developing children and can continue into adulthood.
In BPD, emotional outbursts often stem from intense fears of abandonment or instability in interpersonal relationships. Conversely, autistic individuals frequently experience meltdowns due to sensory overload, routine changes, or cumulative stress, highlighting the distinct nature of their emotional dysregulation.
People with BPD may show features of SPD, especially in sensory-sensitive and sensory-avoid- ing domains. They share common neurobiological and functional roots. Sensory processing therapy, individ- ually applied, may be beneficial in improving symptoms, and reducing dependence on acute services.
If you have BPD, you may experience a range of often intense negative emotions, such as:
Around 90% of autism cases are attributed to genetic factors, meaning autism is highly heritable, with many different genes contributing, rather than a single cause, often interacting with environmental influences during early brain development, though specific environmental factors don't cause it but can increase risk. Twin studies show strong genetic links, with concordance rates between 60-90% in identical twins, and research points to complex interactions of many genes and prenatal/perinatal factors.
A common misdiagnosis and coexisting disorder with BPD are bipolar disorders. Both conditions have crossover traits that can be difficult to distinguish from one another. However, both disorders are conceptualised differently: BPD as a personality disorder and bipolar disorders as a brain disease.
The "6-second rule" for autism is a communication strategy where a speaker pauses for about six seconds after asking a question or giving information, giving the autistic person extra time to process it without feeling rushed, which helps reduce anxiety and allows for a more thoughtful response, reducing frustration for both parties. Instead of repeating or rephrasing, which can be confusing, you wait, and if needed, repeat the exact same words after the pause.
For non-autistic children, stimming can be a way to release excess energy, manage stress or anxiety, or simply explore and interact with their environment. It is a natural and instinctual response that helps children cope with different situations.
Stimming or repetitive actions that occur consistently over longer periods of time, such as rocking and hand flapping, are typical of autism. These symptoms are not related to bipolar disorder.
Very loud music – preferably something repetitive or with a heavy beat. Spinning or swinging on a swing – any type of strong movement (if you are supporting a child who is light enough, you can try picking them up and swinging them around).
“Quiet BPD” describes people who keep their emotions inside rather than expressing them outwardly, but it's not the same as autism.
The "3 C's of BPD" typically refer to advice for loved ones of someone with Borderline Personality Disorder, reminding them: "I didn't cause it, I can't cure it, I can't control it," to help set boundaries and avoid taking on undue responsibility for the person's actions or illness. Another set of "C's" describes core BPD traits for individuals: Clinginess (fear of abandonment), Conflict (intense relationships/moods), and Confusion (unstable self-image).
While not a medical term, "BPD eyes" is often used to describe a common observable characteristic within the BPD community. Many observers note that there can be a void or absence of emotional depth perceived in the eyes of those suffering from this disorder.
Why BPD Symptoms Peak in Early Adulthood. In the 20s, identity formation and independence conflict with emotional vulnerability. Research shows impulsivity and mood swings occur most frequently between the ages of 18-25.
The symptoms of BPD are very broad, and some can be similar to or overlap with other mental health problems, such as: Bipolar disorder. Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) Depression.
Feeling either “good” or “broken” — People with quiet BPD often turn splitting inward. This means they see themselves in extreme ways. You might switch between feeling confident and capable to feeling worthless and broken with little or no in between.
A: Both parents can carry genes associated with autism, even if they don't show any signs themselves. These genes can be passed down to children through either the mother, the father, or both.
Key signs include social challenges, unique communication styles, intense but socially acceptable interests, and high sensitivity to sensory stimuli. Masking, or camouflaging symptoms to fit in, is common among autistic females and can lead to significant mental health impacts.
It's something you're born with. Signs of autism might be noticed when you're very young, or not until you're older. If you're autistic, you're autistic your whole life.
Up to 50% of people with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) experience psychotic symptoms like hallucinations and paranoid thoughts. BPD-related psychosis typically differs from other psychotic disorders as symptoms are usually brief, stress-triggered, and the person often maintains some reality testing.
Duration of BPD Splitting Episodes
They can be brief, lasting for several hours or days, or they can extend and persist for months. There's no set period of time that splitting behaviour lasts, and it looks different from person to person, necessitating effective support.
Uncommon symptoms of borderline personality disorder