what is a stim

Stimming, short for self-stimulating behaviors, is commonly associated with autism. It is characterized by repetitive movements or sounds that individuals use to cope with emotions or to manage sensory information. Examples of stimming include hand-flapping, rocking, repeating words, or making noises. Stimming seems to help autistic individuals manage emotions like anxiety, fear, and excitement, and can also help them deal with overwhelming sensory information. While some stimming behaviors can be beneficial, others may be harmful, such as head-banging or nail-biting. It is important to understand the purpose that stimming serves for an individual and to address any harmful stimming behaviors. Many individuals on the autism spectrum engage in routine stimming, and it can serve multiple functions across different settings