What is a stim?IN BRIEF
Stims are behaviors that help with self-soothing or focusing. They can take many forms, such as moving in a precise way, looking at a fascinating object, or listening to a comforting sound. Autistic people may engage in less common stims like hand-flapping or spinning an object close to their eyes, but non-autistic people stim too, such as by chewing gum. Stims are beneficial and acceptable as long as they remain appropriate, non-harmful, and safe. For example, intimate stims should be done in private, and noisy stims should not disturb others. Ideally, it’s helpful to have access to stims suitable for any context.
Definition of stims
Stims, or self-stimulation behaviors, encompass a wide range of actions that help individuals soothe themselves or focus. These behaviors include hand-flapping, listening to a song on repeat, lining up objects, or chewing gum. But why are stims calming? Our awareness of ourselves and the world around us depends on the brain receiving information from the body. The brain communicates with the body, enabling movement and interaction with the environment. Stims provide an opportunity for the body and brain to have a moment of dialogue.
Why do we stim?
Stimming to combat boredom
Sometimes the brain finds its environment monotonous. Other times, the body sends interesting information to the brain, but the brain perceives it as dull. In such moments, stims can provide the brain with stimulating information. For example, if someone is bored and starts playing with their hair, they’ll feel the sensation of their hair against their fingers, see changes in their hairstyle, and make the moment more engaging. This type of stim can be experienced by autistic people, those with ADHD, and sometimes neurotypical individuals. Everyone has done something out of boredom. These moments are great for exploring stims that can later be comforting in times of need.
Stimming for self-soothing
At times, the brain receives too much information from the body, making it harder to process. This happens more frequently for autistic individuals. They may experience an overload of information from their body and environment, making daily functioning and activities challenging. For example, when the body sends a lot of information, the autistic brain may interpret a sensation as unpleasant or painful, even if it’s not harmful. In such instances, the brain needs a break from interpreting external stimuli.
During these moments, autistic people instinctively seek comforting sensations, focusing solely on those sensations. They might not respond to their name during this time. This is like a recess for the brain, where it enjoys a chosen sensation. For instance, an autistic person might stroke their favorite stuffed animal. Here, the brain deeply connects with the body. The brain directs movements on the stuffed animal, and the body sends back familiar sensory information—the softness of the fur, its smell, its appearance. This familiarity is reassuring. Once the stim ends, the person is better prepared to process other sensory information.
Note
During stressful or novel situations, familiar stims can be crucial for an autistic person’s well-being. It’s important to plan for safe stims and explore new ones during calm or boring times.
Stimming to focus
Sometimes, the brain receives a lot of information from the body but can interpret it without disconnecting from the environment. To better interpret this information, autistic brains may use stims. Stimming helps compare new information with familiar data. For example, some autistic people might bring pillows, stuffed animals, and blankets when staying in a hotel, even as adults. Touching a familiar stuffed animal with a known scent helps them better interpret the unfamiliar hotel environment, such as its sounds, smells, and textures.
Stims can also aid focus. For example, during an exam, an autistic person might rock back and forth to concentrate and organize their thoughts while staying connected to themselves and their body. Some may also use echolalia, repeating words or sounds, during daily activities like cooking or dressing.
Safe stimming
Stims exist for every taste and sense: sight, touch, smell, hearing, taste, balance, temperature, pressure, and more. Most stims are safe, meaning they can be done without harming oneself, others, or important objects. However, some stims might cause harm. For instance, some individuals may prefer stims involving mild discomfort as long as they don’t cause injuries. Dangerous stims can often be replaced with safer alternatives providing similar sensations.
For example, some autistic people may bite parts of their body, leading to long-lasting injuries. Instead, they can use objects designed for chewing. These come in various shapes, colors, and strengths. If pressure is desired, clamps can be used, but they must not cause injuries. Other stims, like scratching hard or using ice cubes, may cause discomfort but remain safe. A specialized educator can help adapt unsafe stims to safer ones.
Stimming in public
Adapting stims doesn’t mean stopping them. Stims are vital tools for autistic individuals. Being different doesn’t mean being disruptive.
Warning
Adapting stims does not mean stopping stims. Stims are important tools for autistic people. Being different doesn't mean being disruptive.
Intimate stims
Some autistic people have stims involving nudity or touching their breasts or genitals. These stims are entirely normal. Some view them as part of their sexuality, while others see them as separate. Regardless, these actions should only occur in private. Such stims are not appropriate in public places like schools, malls, or parks. They should be practiced alone, in a private space like a bedroom or bathroom with the door and curtains closed. Following social norms helps prevent misunderstandings or discomfort.
Accessibility of stims
Since autistic people often rely on stims throughout the day, it’s helpful to find practical stims for various situations. Some stims require no specific materials, like moving hands, rocking, or braiding hair. Others involve objects, which can be specially designed to provide enjoyable sensations. People may also naturally gravitate toward objects that bring comfort.
Choosing a portable stim object:
- Small enough to carry easily (e.g., fits in a pocket, handbag, or backpack)
- Silent
- Durable and unbreakable
- Safe
- Pleasing to the individual
Examples of stims
Stims can take many forms. Having a variety of stims to choose from can make it easier to adapt to different contexts.
Movement-related stims
- Rocking
- Jumping
- Spinning
- Hand-flapping
Visual Stims
- Staring at a pattern or color
- Watching an object spin
- Staring at lights
- Doing a puzzle repetitively
- Lining up objects
As part of an artistic project photographing autistic children, I observed a young girl in a crowded gym who would pause regularly to gaze at the neon lights. Each time, she took a deep breath and seemed soothed. She appeared to be in such peace. I titled this work Breathing the Light. You can view photos from the Linking Worlds, One Color at a Time exhibition here: Valérie Jessica’s Exhibition.
Oral stims
- Chewing gum
- Chewing on an object
- Putting part of the body in the mouth
- Licking an object
Auditory and vocal stims
- Listening to music
- Delayed echolalia
- Making noise with an object
Stims using fidget objects
- Spinning top
- Rubber bands
- Pop-it cubes
- Pressing bubbles
- Sensory finger rings
- Spinning objects
Olfactory stims
- Smelling objects
- Smelling parts of the body
- Essential oils
Tactile stims
- Stroking surfaces
- Rubbing surfaces
- Tapping surfaces
- Plunging a hand into a sensory element
Painful stims
- Pinching
- Biting
- Scratching
- Using ice cubes
