Stimming with autism: Helpful or harmful?

Have you ever found yourself clicking a pen repeatedly or tapping a pencil on your desk without realizing it? Many people fidget occasionally, often as a way to focus or release nervous energy. While fidgeting can be a common habit, self-stimulatory behaviors — also known as stimming — are more commonly associated with autism and can help with managing emotions and sensory input.

Research shows that stimming behaviors — like nail biting, rocking, making repetitive sounds, and toe tapping — are very common among people with autism. In this context, stimming can be an effective way to relieve stress, express emotions, and manage sensory overload. 

Understanding the purpose of stimming and ensuring that it remains safe can support your well-being. A therapist can help identify supportive strategies if stimming causes distress or interferes with your daily life.

What stimming can look like in autistic people

Stimming can take many forms, and everyone experiences it differently. Additionally, stimming behaviors may change based on a person’s emotions, environment, or sensory needs. But for people with autism, it might manifest as:

• Hand flapping
• Spinning or twirling
• Jumping up and down
• Rocking back and forth
• Pacing
• Staring (at a spinning object, for example)
• Squinting
• Blinking
• Eye rolling
• Lining up objects in a certain way
• Stroking surfaces of a certain texture
• Hair twirling 
• Rubbing hands together
• Pinching or squeezing
• Scratching
• Chewing (on the lips or an object)
• Squealing
• Throat clearing
• Humming
• Whistling
• Repeating words or phrases

We know that stimming is frequently associated with autism. However, it’s also common among people with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). To the outside observer, it might be difficult to tell whether stimming behaviors are due to autism, ADHD, or another condition. But rest assured that if you’re unsure why you’re stimming, a mental health professional can help you better understand your experience.

The care you need, when you need it

Learn how Rula can support your mental health journey

Subscribe

I agree to receive emails from Rula and accept the terms outlined in Client Email Consent and Privacy Policy.

Why people with autism self-stim

Stimming can serve different purposes for different people, and the function of the behavior often depends on the person and their unique needs. For people with autism, it can be a helpful coping tool to manage uncomfortable emotions and regulate sensory overload. But sometimes, it can be something a person does just for fun. For example, using items like fidget spinners and stress balls can be an enjoyable and safe way to stim. 

Researchers are still exploring the science behind stimming in autism and what triggers it. However, evidence suggests that these behaviors are linked to how the brain processes sensory information and movement. Our understanding of stimming in autistic people has evolved significantly in recent years. In the past, it was viewed as something problematic and involuntary. 

But today, stimming is seen as an adaptive tool that can help people with autism:

• Manage sensory challenges and overwhelm
• Regulate stress and anxiety
• Cope with uncertainty 
• Express themselves and communicate their internal experiences
• Feel a sense of control over their behaviors

When and how you might want to manage stimming

Stimming isn’t harmful in itself, and it shouldn’t be discouraged unless there are safety or practical concerns. It can be a valuable coping tool that many people with autism use without issue. So, if it’s not harming you or someone else, there’s no need to stop stimming. 

However, there may be times when you want to limit your stimming or choose a different behavior. For example, you may need some behavioral support if your stimming:

• Becomes so intense that it may cause an injury (i.e. banging your head on a wall) 
• Negatively impacts others (i.e. making loud vocalizations in a quiet setting, like a classroom or library)
• Interrupts your ability to function in daily life (i.e. spending so much time stimming that you neglect self-care or other important tasks)
• Keeps you from social activities you might enjoy (i.e. spending most of your time at home alone stimming instead of going out with friends or family)

If stimming is creating challenges in your life, working with a therapist can help you understand the purpose of your behavior. Once you uncover what you’re using stimming for (like to reduce anxiety, for example), you and your therapist can explore strategies to address any concerns you may have. In some cases, finding a replacement behavior might be helpful, but it’s not necessary unless stimming is causing significant difficulties.

Again, it’s important to remember that stimming isn’t necessarily something to “fix” or eliminate from your life. When it’s done safely and in an appropriate setting, stimming can be an invaluable coping tool for people with autism. And while stimming carried some stigma in the past, thanks to increased understanding, it’s becoming increasingly accepted and celebrated by neurodivergent and neurotypical people alike.

Find care with Rula

For people with autism, stimming can be a helpful way to regulate emotions and manage sensory overwhelm. And sometimes, it can be something a person does just for fun. Most stimming behaviors aren’t problematic, and they don’t need to be eliminated or managed unless there are safety or practical concerns. However, if you want to change, understand, or reduce your stimming behaviors, working with a therapist can help. 

When you need affordable, accessible support for autism or another condition, we want to welcome you to Rula. With a network of over 10,000 providers, we can help you find the right therapist for your needs in just a few clicks. To begin, check out our therapist-matching program and select a provider who takes your insurance and offers the specialized care you deserve. You can start the process today and make your first live video appointment with the therapist of your choice for as soon as tomorrow. 

Find a therapist with Rula