Ever jumped out of joy? Cracked your knuckles in a nervous moment? Or caught yourself biting your nails before an exam? In that case, you already know what stimming is. Continue reading for all you need to know on why it happens and how it helps those with ASD cope better daily.

What is ASD?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition earlier known as Asperger’s Syndrome or Autism. It is majorly identified through challenges with social interaction, narrow interests, and repetitive actions.

ASD can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, occupation, etc. Since it is recognised as a lifelong condition, those on the spectrum experience symptoms well into adulthood. Managing symptoms with the help of professional support can be life-changing for many people coping with ASD and other developmental disorders like ADHD.

This includes both therapy and psychiatry consultations, depending on the level of functional challenges, which varies amongst all people on the spectrum.

Also read:  What is Autism? Signs, Symptoms & Treatment

Stimming and ASD

Stimming refers to self-soothing behaviours done for stimulating one's senses. But as mentioned at the beginning, such self-stimulatory behaviours are experienced by us all from time to time. Actions such as rubbing your thighs, tapping your feet, clenching your teeth, amongst others. However, those with ASD or Autism Spectrum Disorder experience stimming quite differently.

This is because Stimming is a common coping mechanism for high sensitivity to sensory input - a symptom of Autism Spectrum Disorder. But this isn’t the only reason why people with ASD exhibit repetitive behaviours or Stimming. Here is a full list of reasons why your friend on the ASD spectrum might be Stimming.

Reasons for Stimming

• To reduce anxiety and feel calmer

• To express extreme emotions like frustration, happiness, excitement, fear

• To feel safer in an unfamiliar environment

• To feel engaged or “stimulated” when bored

• To avoid certain activities or difficult expectations

• To cope with symptoms of Sensory Overload

Sensory Overload and ASD  

Remember sitting in a class, completely lost and overwhelmed by the information shared by your teacher? You might have felt like your brain needed to pause before hearing any more on the subject. Information overload can be overwhelming for your brain too, as seen in the case of Sensory Overload.

When your brain is unable to process the amount of information that is being taken in by your five senses—sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell—sensory overload occurs. Your Central Nervous System goes into high alert in response to the overwhelming amount of information. As a result, the brain switches into fight or flight mode, and you are unable to process any further information at the moment.

Those with ASD often experience heightened sensitivity to many kinds of sensory input, resulting in Sensory Overload. Stimming or self-stimulatory behaviours can help those with ASD momentarily cope with the painful experience of Sensory Overload.

This could look like biting your nails, banging your head against a surface, rocking yourself, repeating words or phrases. Since these repetitive behaviours are known to the body and can be predictable, they induce a feeling of familiarity, making you feel safe in threatening or overwhelming situations.

Since sensory input is quite unpredictable when outdoors, you may see many people on the spectrum preventing Sensory Overload in the following ways.

Read next: Breaking the Stigma: Talking about Mental Health in the Workplace

Common Protective Measures Against Sensory Overload

• Using noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds

• Wearing sunglasses or avoiding places with bright lights

• Being extremely particular about food preferences

• Avoiding prolonged physical touch - hugs or handshakes

• Preventing exposure to sharp smells like in some scented candles

How Caregivers Can Support Stimming Behaviours

These repetitive behaviours are often done at a subconscious level, so you may not always be aware of them, or know how to stop them. Stimming behaviours can go on for hours, alongside other tasks, as a coping mechanism.

Since there doesn’t seem to be any evident reason for Stimming, those with ASD are typically asked to stop it when the situation demands so. However, it is essential for caregivers, friends, and family members to understand that Stimming is a coping mechanism, hence important to the person’s wellbeing. It is also not in their control, so requesting or demanding those with ASD to stop this behaviour is a sign that the caregiver may need support in understanding ASD. Moreover, it is important for those with ASD and other invisible disabilities to get suitable accommodations at school, work and home. 

You might also like: Why Is Mental Health Still Viewed as a First World Problem?

Common Accommodations For Stimming At Home, Work & School

This could look like:

• Being allowed headphones while writing an exam

• Needing to solve a Rubik's Cube during a presentation

• Requiring alternate lighting in one’s home

It’s important to remember that we all have unique needs, which are equally valid. Also, each person with ASD experiences the disorder differently, so it is essential to check in with them on how you can help them during sensory overload, or if they need help in the first place.

If you are someone who stims, we want you to know that there is absolutely no shame in doing so. Stimming is a very natural and healthy behaviour. However, if your stimming patterns are harming your mental or physical health in any way, it is important to visit a therapist or psychiatrist near you.