Did you know that stimming is a natural way for many people with autism to regulate their emotions and cope with sensory input
“Stimming” is not just a random behavior, it’s a form of self-regulation for many people with autism.
Self-stimulatory behaviors like hand flapping, rocking, or repeating sounds are the body’s natural way of
- Coping with overwhelming sensory input
- Regulating emotions such as stress or anxiety
- Expressing joy and excitement in moments of intensity
While society often labels these behaviors as “unusual” or tries to suppress them, research shows they serve an important neurological function. For many autistic people, stimming is what helps restore balance in the nervous system.
Instead of asking “how can we stop this?” a more compassionate approach is asking “what purpose is this serving for the person?” and “how can we create an environment where they feel safe enough to regulate naturally?”
As clinicians, educators, and families, we need to remember: Stimming is not a problem to be fixed. It’s communication. It’s coping. It’s resilience in action.
And sometimes, the best thing we can do is simply allow it.
These self-stimulatory behaviors like hand flapping or rocking can help manage stress or express excitement