5 Types of Child Stimming Behaviors in Children with Autism

Stimming, or self-stimulatory behavior, is common in children with autism. It refers to specific repetitive behaviors that serve as a coping mechanism to deal with sensory overload, anxiety, or other overwhelming experiences. Recognizing and understanding these behaviors can significantly aid parents, educators, and therapists in supporting the developmental needs of children with autism.

In this blog post, we will explore the types of stimming behaviors and offer insights into their role in the lives of individuals with autism.

Visual Stimming

Visual stimming involves repetitive behaviors that use the visual sense. This may include staring at lights, blinking repeatedly, or moving fingers in front of the eyes. Children engaging in visual stimming are often fascinated by the visual input they receive from these actions.

Auditory Stimming

Auditory stimming refers to behaviors that involve the sense of hearing. This can include humming, tapping ears, snapping fingers, or repeating phrases (echolalia). For some children, these sounds provide a specific type of comfort or satisfaction. 

Tactile Stimming

Tactile stimming involves repetitive contact with surfaces or objects. Common forms include skin rubbing, hand-flapping, or scratching. Some children might find particular textures soothing and engage in tactile stimming to calm themselves.

Vestibular Stimming

This type of stimming involves movement and balance, such as rocking back and forth, spinning, or jumping. The vestibular system, which controls balance and spatial orientation, is stimulated through these movements.

Olfactory or Gustatory Stimming

These stimming behaviors involve the sense of smell and taste, respectively. A child might sniff objects or people or repeatedly smell a particular item. Gustatory stimming might involve excessive licking of objects or a preference for specific tastes or textures in foods.

Why Do Children with Autism Stim?

Child stimming is often a way to self-soothe, manage anxiety, or cope with overwhelming sensory input. It can also be a form of self-expression or a way to focus and cope with boredom. For children with autism, stimming is a natural behavior that helps them navigate their environment and experiences.

Supporting a Child Who Stims

It’s important to understand that stimming, in many cases, is a beneficial behavior for a child with autism. Efforts to stop stimming behaviors should be approached with caution and understanding. The key is to ensure that the stimming is safe and doesn’t interfere with learning or daily activities. In cases where stimming behaviors might be harmful or disruptive, seeking guidance from professionals like The Deron School can be incredibly helpful.

Choose The Deron School

At The Deron School, we believe in supporting each child’s unique needs and helping them thrive. Recognizing and understanding the various types of stimming behaviors in children with autism is a step toward creating an inclusive and supportive environment for their growth and development. By acknowledging and respecting these behaviors, we can provide better support and help these children lead fulfilling lives. Contact us today to learn more!