Stimming, short for “self-stimulation,” is a term describing repetitive movements, sounds, or behaviors that neurodivergent individuals (and sometimes neurotypical people too) use to regulate their nervous system, manage emotions, or express internal states. Although often associated with autism, stimming is also a common characteristic in people with ADHD and other neurodivergencies.

Understanding stimming is fundamental to promoting acceptance and combating stigma. It’s not a behavior to suppress or be ashamed of, but rather a natural and often vital coping mechanism, a form of non-verbal communication that offers valuable insights into a person’s inner world.

What Is Stimming and Why Is It Important?

Stimming can take many forms: rocking, foot-tapping, object spinning, hair twirling, nail biting, repeating phrases or sounds, pacing, or even engaging in repetitive routines. Its primary function is self-regulation.

Neurodivergent individuals often experience the world with a different sensory sensitivity. They can be hypersensitive (overwhelmed by minimal stimuli) or hyposensitive (needing more stimulation to feel “connected”). Stimming helps to:

• Manage sensory overload: By providing controlled sensory input, stimming can “block out” or reduce the impact of overwhelming external stimuli (loud noises, bright lights, crowds).
• Increase concentration: Some stims help filter distractions and focus attention on a task.
• Express or process emotions: It can be a way to manage anxiety, stress, excitement, joy, frustration, or anger.
• Self-soothe: It provides comfort and security in new or stressful situations.
• Communicate: Sometimes, stimming can signal a need, discomfort, or emotional state.

Stimming in Autism: Depth and Regulatory Function

In autistic individuals, stimming is often more pronounced, varied, and can have a deeper, more complex regulatory function. It is closely linked to differences in sensory processing and the need for predictability and control in a world that can feel chaotic.

• Primary Sensory Function: For many autistic people, stimming is a direct response to sensory hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity. Rocking can help “ground” them when the world feels too intense, while a repetitive hand movement can provide the visual or kinesthetic input their nervous system needs.
• Intense Emotional Regulation: Autistic stimming is often a barometer of an internal emotional state. An increase or change in stimming can indicate heightened anxiety, stress, or excitement.
• Special Interests and Stimming: Sometimes, stimming can be integrated into or influenced by special interests. For example, an autistic person with an interest in trains might rock rhythmically like a moving train.
• Variety and Specificity: Autistic stimming can be very specific and idiosyncratic to the individual, with patterns that repeat consistently over time.

Stimming in ADHD: Energy, Focus, and Release

In individuals with ADHD, stimming (often called “fidgeting” or restlessness) is more commonly linked to attention regulation, managing excess energy, and the need for stimulation to maintain focus.

• Attention and Focus Regulation: Repetitive movements help keep the brain engaged and prevent distraction. Tapping a pen, jiggling a leg, or fiddling with an object can help maintain focus during lectures or meetings.
• Release of Excess Energy: People with ADHD often experience high internal energy or restlessness. Stimming provides a physical outlet for this energy, helping them feel calmer and less agitated.
• Stimulation for Alertness: In boring or under-stimulating situations, stimming can provide the necessary input to keep the brain active and alert, preventing “zoning out” or “daydreaming.”
• Less Tied to Pure Sensory Overload: While people with ADHD can have sensory sensitivities, stimming is not typically their primary strategy for managing sensory overload as it is in autism. It’s more often a response to the need for movement and stimulation for attention.

Differences and Overlaps: A Neurodivergent Continuum

While there are typical differences, it’s important to note that autism and ADHD often co-occur, and individuals may exhibit stimming characteristics that reflect both neurotypes.

• Intensity and Visibility: Autistic stimming tends to be more intense and visible, whereas ADHD stimming can be more subtle or “socially acceptable” (e.g., foot-tapping under a table). However, this is not a hard-and-fast rule, and “masking” can affect visibility in both cases.
• Primary Function: In autistic stimming, the primary function is often deep sensory and emotional regulation, while in ADHD, it’s more linked to attention regulation and energy release.
• Awareness: People with ADHD might be less aware of their stimming, doing it almost unconsciously, while autistic individuals might be more aware of its function and their need for it.

Stimming and Society: Towards Acceptance

In neurotypical society, stimming is often misunderstood or stigmatized. It’s labeled as “weird,” “distracting,” or “inappropriate,” leading many neurodivergent individuals to “mask” their natural stims. However, this masking is exhausting and detrimental to mental health, increasing stress and anxiety levels.

As healthcare professionals and members of society, it’s our duty to promote greater understanding and acceptance of stimming. We must:

• Educate: Explain the function and importance of stimming to parents, teachers, employers, and the general public.
• Normalize: Recognize that stimming is a natural part of the neurodivergent experience and not a flaw to be corrected.
• Create Inclusive Environments: Design spaces (schools, offices, public places) that allow for stimming without judgment, perhaps by offering “fidget toys” or quiet areas.
• Support Self-regulation: Encourage individuals to recognize and use their stims in a healthy way, rather than repressing them.

Understanding stimming is not just a matter of tolerance but of respect for neurological diversity. It’s a fundamental step toward building a more inclusive society where every mind can function at its best and feel accepted for who they are.

For more information and related resources, explore these links:

Dyspraxia (DCD): Beyond Clumsiness, A Complex Neurodivergence

Neurodivergentinsights

Silvia Garozzo

Psicologa, Psicoterapeuta, Didatta, Supervisore