Stimming might include: hand and finger mannerisms – for example, finger-flicking and hand-flapping. unusual body movements – for example, rocking back and forth while sitting or standing.
In a nutshell, stimming refers to self-stimulating behaviors, usually involving repetitive movements or sounds. Although stimming is one of many possible indicators a child might be on the autism spectrum or have ADHD, stimming behavior does not necessarily mean a person is neurodivergent.
Other parents see finger flicking as a repeated movement involving fingers using an almost “snapping” motion. Another type of stim that may be referred to as finger flicking is described as a quick, repetitive movement of fingers flicking close to the child's face.
Tactile stimming refers to repetitive behaviors connected to a person's sense of touch. Examples may include: Rubbing or scratching of hands or objects. Repetitive hand motions such as opening and closing fists. Tapping fingers repeatedly.
Self-stimulatory behavior is not unique to individuals on the autism spectrum and can be seen in neurotypical individuals as well.
In reality, neurotypical people stim, too - they just might not realize it. Common examples of stimming include rocking, clenching fists, tapping fingers, and humming. Some people stim in response to anxiety or stress, while others stim when they're bored or fatigued.
About stimming and autism
Stimming might include: hand and finger mannerisms – for example, finger-flicking and hand-flapping. unusual body movements – for example, rocking back and forth while sitting or standing. posturing – for example, holding hands or fingers out at an angle or arching the back while sitting.
Stimming can take many different forms: visual: staring off into space, drawing, spinning things like pens or coins. verbal/auditory: repeating sounds, excessive giggling, constantly clearing throat. tactile: rubbing fingers, chewing/biting nails, chewing the inside of cheeks.
Usually, toddlers will flap their hands when they're stimulated by something and are either happy, excited, angry or anxious. In the case of autistic children, it is one of the self-stimulating or stimming behaviors that help them regulate their emotions.
Stimming or self-stimulating behaviour includes arm or hand-flapping, finger-flicking, rocking, jumping, spinning or twirling, head-banging and complex body movements.
These movements may be rhythmic, and it may feel that your child has no control or awareness of their fingers. The movements may increase in the presence of stress, anxiety, or excitement. Often, these movements are referred to as part of the category of RRBs for restricted repetitive behaviors.
Hair twirling, nail-biting, toe-tapping, and knuckle-cracking are all common stimming examples. Autistic stimming is often engaged when a person is feeling overstimulated by things they cannot control or when they are understimulated, or to reduce pain, or to self-soothe.
People who ADHD may engage in several different types of stimming, though some may seem to have select behaviors that they tend to default to. Examples of stimming in ADHD, grouped here by type, include: Visual: "Zoning out," spinning objects like coins or fidget toys, pacing, doodling.
ADHD stimming is when a person with ADHD displays self-stimulatory behavior by repeating certain sounds and movements unconsciously. There are many different examples, including lip biting, rocking back and forth, humming, teeth grinding, or chewing gum.
Risks of Stimming
Instead of reacting negatively to stimming behavior, people can choose to redirect their attention to something else or acknowledge it with acceptance. Self-harm. Some stims are harmful. Head banging, hair pulling, and biting nails may have health consequences.
Other more subtle stimming actions include staring at objects — especially anything with lights or movement; gazing off into space; blinking repeatedly; looking out of the corner of your eyes; flipping lights on and off repeatedly; random humming, shrieking, or making other noises; finger snapping or putting your hands ...
Some common examples of stimming (sometimes called stims) include hand flapping, clapping, rocking, blinking, pacing, head banging, repeating noises or words, snapping fingers, and spinning objects.
Children with ASD use stimming to manipulate their environment to produce stimulation, or because they have trouble with imagination and creativity and can't think of other things to do, such as pretend play. Examples of stimming include: hand and finger mannerisms, like finger-flicking and hand-flapping.
Early signs of autism include atypical social and communication behaviour, repetitive behaviour or movements, and intense interests.
It can include finger wiggling, clapping, moving arms, shaking, clenching fists, or any other variation of these characteristics. Often, it is part of a full physical display that might include body rocking or head shaking, or even pacing or jumping while making vocalizations.
Mild autism is level 1 autism spectrum disorder. It means a person does not have severe symptoms and needs a lower level of support than someone else with autism. People with mild autism still have a hard time communicating and interacting with others.
Examples of stimming behavior include: Repetitive behaviors: fidget tool use, snapping/unsnapping or zipping/unzipping fasteners, flicking, twirling hair. Hand mannerisms: flapping hands, snapping fingers, unusual finger placements. Body movements: rocking back and forth, jumping, scratching, pacing.
Stim: Flapping hands • Replacement Options: – Squeezing a stress ball. – Clasping hands together. – Playing with a fidget in lap.