20/08/2025
Stimming and Autism: Are They Related?
What Is Stimming?
Stimming is short for self-stimulating behaviors. The term “stim” is used to describe one of these behaviors, which can include doing an action over and over or repeating the same sound several times. You may use stimming to help cope with emotions.
While many people may engage in stimming, the behavior has become associated with autism.
Stimming Behaviors
There are many different types of stimming, including:
Auditory stimming. These involve your hearing and sounds, such as snapping your fingers, repeatedly touching your ears, or listening to the same sound over and over.
Vocal stimming. This type includes sounds you make with your voice or throat, such as coughing or clearing your throat several times, repeating the same word, or humming.
Tactile stimming. These include actions that involve touching or feeling, such as when you rub or scratch your skin, open and close your fists, tap your fingers on an object or surface, or flap your hands or arms.
Visual stimming. These behaviors involve sight, such as looking at lights for a long time or frequently blinking or rolling your eyes.
Vestibular stimming. This type involves movement or balance, such as pacing back and forth or twirling around.
Olfactory stimming. These stims involve tasting or smelling, such as smelling or sniffing things or people, or chewing on or licking objects.
Full body stimming. This type of behavior includes movement that involves your entire body, such as rocking your body back and forth or spinning around.
Stimming Examples
Stimming refers to repetitive behaviors or motions that you may use to help cope with emotions. Some examples of stimming include:
