Have you ever heard of stimming? Most of us perform it to varying degrees, but for the neurodiverse in our community, it can be far more complex.
Stimming requires greater understanding, curiosity, and acceptance. Here’s why.
What is stimming?
Do you know someone who repetitively flaps their hands, paces, kicks a chair or continuously repeats an action, sentence or behaviour? For many neurodiverse adults and children, these repetitive behaviours are known as stims or stimming (short for stimulation). While everyone stims to some extent, for example, nail biting or bouncing your leg, stims can be more frequent and intense for those with neurodiversity and can serve a very different purpose.
Why do people stim?
People stim for a variety of reasons. Some stim to help them adapt to their surroundings and feel safe. Some stim to seek their desired sensory feedback (e.g., movement, touch, sound, etc.). Others stim to communicate their feelings of discomfort, anxiety, or pleasure. Stimming can also be used to help maintain focus and attention.
What’s behind the stim?
Understanding the reasons behind stimming behaviours can help guide your reaction towards them. If you pay attention to when and how much someone is stimming, you might be able to work out why they are engaging in this behaviour and learn how to better understand and support them.
How can you help?
There are a range of strategies that you may be able to use to support someone who is stimming.
For example, if your teen with ASD is anxious about attending school and repetitively clicks their fingers, you can encourage them to do deep belly breathing, exercise, use deep pressure (bear hugs or weighted blankets), listen to calming music, or talk to a trusted mate so they can problem-solve any issues together.
These strategies may help to reduce their anxiety and potentially the stim. However, it is crucial to remember that the stim may be a coping strategy that is working effectively for that person, and unless that stim is presenting a risk, we don’t need to take that stim away.
Be curious and compassionate
Ultimately, everyone has a unique sensory profile and understanding how someone engages with and adapts to their environment is key.
Leading with curiosity, compassion, and understanding is central to supporting people with neurodivergence. Understanding that stimming is a part of who they are is an important step in the right direction towards creating greater tolerance and acceptance of one another.
For more information on supporting a loved one who is neurodivergent you can call our team at Recovery Station on 1300 588 851.
Until next time,
Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. We recognise the many talents and advantages of being neurodivergent and desire to create a more inclusive and equitable culture that celebrates differences and empowers every individual.