How can we manage stimming in our neurodiverse child?
Rocking, making repetitive noises, and tapping your foot are stimming behaviors that everyone engages in, but did you know that stimming in autism also correlates? It is part of the criteria for diagnosing autism. According to the Child Mind Institute, the difference between stimming in autism and typical stimming lies in whether it interferes with daily activities and hinders learning; in such cases, it is generally considered a symptom of autism.
One of the most common questions asked by parents and caregivers of children with autism is, “How can we manage stimming in our neurodiverse child?” It is essential to understand that stimming is a universal behavior that no one can stop altogether. However, we can understand why neurodivergent individuals engage in this behavior and take steps to prevent it from becoming intense and hindering their daily activities.
At ABA Centers of Washington, we recognize that comprehending the intricacies of the spectrum, including aspects like stimming in autism, can initially seem perplexing. Through this blog post, we aim to shed more light on the varied forms of stimming in autism and illustrate how Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy effectively manages challenging behaviors.
What Exactly is Stimming in Autism?
Stimming, clinically for self-stimulatory behavior, refers to repetitive movements or vocalizations often exhibited by individuals with autism to self-regulate or cope with sensory experiences. Stimming serves as a mechanism for individuals to manage their emotions, reduce anxiety, or engage with their surroundings.
Typical Forms of Stimming Behavior
People with ASD commonly engage in stimming behaviors. They often encounter difficulties managing their emotions and sensory experiences, leading to what’s widely known as a “stim.” These behaviors can take various forms but typically include:
- Hand-flapping
- Rocking
- Finger-flicking or twisting
- Body rocking
- Repetitive vocalizations (echolalia)
- Spinning objects
- Grimacing or facial tics
- Pacing
5 Things You Need to Know About Stimming in Autism
People with ASD commonly engage in stimming behaviors. They often encounter difficulties managing their emotions and sensory experiences, leading to what’s widely known as a “stim.” These behaviors can take various forms, but what’s important to understand is:
1. Stimming Isn’t Always Harmful – While some stims, like head banging and excessive screaming, may present risks, most of these behaviors don’t harm others. They are internalized actions with no malicious intent. Neurodivergent individuals might stim to express frustration, especially when facing communication challenges, but it doesn’t mean they aim to disrupt others. Instead, they’re simply trying to convey their feelings when verbal expression may be complex.
2. Stimming Doesn’t Always Require Control – People often misunderstand and think individuals should control all stimming behaviors, even when not harmful. However, managing these stims is often a more practical approach in almost all situations unless the behavior harms the individual or others.
In cases where control may be necessary, consider a question-based criterion to determine the need for management:
- Is stimming disruptive at school?
- Does stimming impact the ability to learn?
- Has stimming led to social isolation?
- Is stimming causing issues for other family members?
- Are these stimming behaviors destructive or dangerous
3. Stimming Occurs Randomly – Both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals exhibit a range of frequencies in stimming behaviors. Many people with ASD experience daily occurrences of stimming, but the reasons behind these behaviors can vary. These actions might persist for extended periods and prove challenging to halt, particularly in stressful or uncomfortable situations.
Certain self-stimulatory behaviors serve as indicators of anxiety or emotional arousal, signaling caregivers, teachers, and others that the individual might be feeling uneasy. They may also suggest a desire for a break or to avoid specific environments causing distress. In highly distressing situations, stimming can persist until the individual leaves the environment or a significant change occurs to alter the situation’s dynamics.
4. Managing Stimming is Easier When You Understand the Reason Behind It – It’s crucial to recognize that behavior is a means of communication. You can develop effective management strategies by comprehending the message someone is trying to convey. This process involves assessing the situation, environment, and potential triggers for the behavior. Some essential management tactics for someone engaging in stimming include:
- Identifying potential triggers for the behavior
- Assessing current factors contributing to the behavior
- Approaching the individual with a calm demeanor when they exhibit these behaviors
- Encouraging acceptable behaviors
- Avoiding punishment for these behaviors, as stopping one behavior without addressing its root cause may lead to the emergence of another behavior
- Teaching alternative behaviors that fulfill the exact self-stimulatory needs, especially for those that pose harm – for instance, squeezing or rubbing an object or toy instead of a person’s hands or arms.
- Establishing a routine for daily tasks
5. Understanding Without Judgment Breaks Stigmas Associated with Stimming in Autism – Stigmas linked to stimming often stem from misunderstandings and a lack of knowledge about autism and its related behaviors. It’s crucial to educate ourselves and others about stimming and its significance in the lives of individuals with autism to foster understanding and empathy.
Dismantling these stigmas starts with unbiased understanding. We need to acknowledge that stimming is a natural behavior for individuals on the autism spectrum and serves a purpose for them. Approaching these behaviors with empathy and acceptance contributes to building a more inclusive society that embraces neurodiversity across the spectrum. If you observe someone stimming in public, avoid drawing attention to it. Instead, we should recognize that helping themselves cope without interfering with others serves a purpose for them.
ABA Therapy Address Challenging Behaviors
One key aspect of ABA therapy involves identifying the triggers and functions of stimming behaviors through careful observation and analysis. Therapists work closely with individuals to understand the specific circumstances or environments that may prompt stimming. By gaining insight into these triggers, ABA practitioners can develop targeted strategies to address the root causes of stimming and introduce alternative, more adaptive behaviors.
Another essential component of ABA therapy in managing stimming is the implementation of behavior intervention plans (BIPs). These plans are personalized strategies designed to modify behaviors systematically.
According to the National Library of Medicine article, the BIP delineates interventions crafted to address the underlying reasons for the individual’s behavior. In the context of stimming, BIPs aim to teach individuals alternative ways to fulfill their sensory needs or communicate without relying on potentially disruptive or harmful stimming behaviors. This proactive approach empowers individuals with new coping mechanisms and reduces the reliance on stimming as the primary means of self-regulation.
Furthermore, ABA therapy emphasizes positive reinforcement to encourage and reinforce desired behaviors while discouraging stimming that may be socially inappropriate or harmful. Therapists use reinforcement strategies to motivate individuals to engage in alternative behaviors that serve the same purpose as stimming but in a more socially acceptable manner.
ABA Centers of Washington Best Autism Services Provider
In conclusion, stimming in autism is a common occurrence; it’s a natural behavior that everyone exhibits at one point or another if it doesn’t cause harm or hinder a person’s regular development.
There are always solutions for cases where the behaviors are more challenging, such as ABA therapy. At ABA Centers of Washington, we deliver top-tier autism care services. Whether you prefer our center or in-home therapy services, we have a presence in several cities across the state, including Seattle, Olympia, and Vancouver.
Don’t hesitate to contact us today and contribute to the positive change. Call us at (877) 554-0710 or schedule a free consultation.
