10 most common autism stimming examples

Society has painted a pretty limited view over the years of autistic stimming. One of the most common mainstream images of stimming is a person who is autistic rocking back and forth, almost in a state of trance. And while this may be one way that someone stims, it’s certainly not the only way. (P.S. If you want a more indepth list of ways neurodivergent people can stim, check out this article.)

Another common projection of autistic stimming is that society/media almost always correlates stimming with negative emotions. For later-identified people who are on a journey to discover their neurodivergence, it can sometimes be confusing to understand how stimming shows up for them now, and as they characterize some stimming behaviors they remember in childhood. Stimming is not just for feelings of stress and anxiety; it’s also a way for the body to regulate and express excitement and joy.  

Neurotypical media’s common view is very one-dimensional and doesn’t honor the complexity of autistic stimming, how it relates to a variety of emotions (both good and bad), and how — at its core — stimming is really about giving the body what it needs to feel good. 

Our goal is to help you understand a bit more about stimming, how it helps give the body what it needs during an uptick in certain emotions. Stimming is a coping mechanism, and can be a valuable way to help you through uncomfortable situations, if stress or discomfort does happen to be the main trigger for your stims. It can also be a wonderfully soothing activity to help you stay regulated even when there are no triggers at all.

The basics of autism stimming

Self-stimulatory behaviors, or stimming, refers to repetitive behaviors that work as coping/soothing mechanisms or a way to express emotions. At first glance, it may seem like stimming is only used as a way to reduce nerves, but the behaviors have actually been shown to be used as a self-soothing mechanism for a variety of reasons, including:

• Decreasing sensory overload

• Alleviating anxiety

• Increasing engagement with surroundings

• Adapting to a new environment

• Communicating stronger emotions, such as frustration or joy

Even though stimming is often triggered by negative emotions or overwhelming situations, it can also be used to exhibit positive emotions, such as happiness or excitement. 

Sonny Jane Wise, a lived-experience educator in Australia, says this of their stimming in a recent interview:

“As stimming is often an extension of who we are, we are almost always stimming in one way or another… We might stim more often during moments when we need extra regulation from our emotions or sensory input, but we might also stim when we’re trying to focus or pay attention… If I’m excited, stimming feels like an extension of my joy. It’s a natural behavior that feels like a part of me.” 

It’s important to note that stimming on its own shouldn’t be used as the sole indication for autism. Many neurotypical people also stim when they’re feeling stressed or nervous.

Autism stimming examples

Not all stimming looks the same. In fact, it’s not always obvious to either the autistic person or those around them, there may be stims that a person didn’t even realize served a self-stimulatory function until they began learning more about the ways it can manifest. But it may be helpful to categorize autism stimming examples into different categories. Stimming serves a sensory function, and as such, it is easy to conceptualize stimming types usually by the seven human senses. 

Here are five common types of autism stimming:

• Visual — Involves eyesight or eye movement

• Oral — Involves sense of taste and textures, including chewing objects

• Olfactory — Involves sense of smell

• Vocal — Repeating words or making sounds with your mouth and/or throat

• Tactile — Utilizes sense of touch

• Vestibular — Involves balance or movement

• Proprioceptive — Involves awareness of the body in relation to the environment 

Many people may not know that in addition to autism stimming, stimming can also exist with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). But stims serve different purposes for each neurotype. While they can soothe anxiety for either type, ADHD stimming is often utilized as a way to increase focus as well as impulse control, e.g., fidgeting when one feels restless or bored to get the energy out. Autism stimming is distinct from this as it serves a uniquely comforting, repetitive and regulating function, e.g., fidgeting with a sensory toy simply because it feels soothing.  

10 common autism stimming examples

Every autistic individual is just that: individual. Which means that stimming can look different for everyone. There’s a long list of autism stimming examples, and they can often fall into overlapping categories of stimming types. But for autistic individuals, there are some stimming examples that are more common than others. Those are what we’re going to explore in this section. 

It’s important to take note of autism stimming examples, either in yourself or in others, so that you can recognize how the body and brain cope with overstimulation, anxiety or emotions that can’t be communicated. Understanding how your body stims during different emotions is a great way to gain a deeper understanding of your needs, so you can honor your body with what it needs during different triggers, whether good or bad.

Here are just 10 of many autism stimming examples:
 

• Teeth grinding or chewing 

• Repeating the same word, phrase or sound

• Staring at a visually stimulating scene or object 

• Finger tapping, flicking, or twirling, hand flapping

• Tensing and untensing muscles 

• Fidgeting with body parts or objects 

• Repeatedly watching or listening to the same thing 

• Pacing 

• Spinning

• Rocking back and forth

NeuroSpark can help you identify stims you use now and in childhood 

Autistics may stim in a variety of situations, whether the emotions attached are positive or negative. Stimming is neither intrinsically good or bad; it’s simply giving your body what it needs in the moment. 

At NeuroSpark, stimming is welcomed and encouraged. We appreciate your ability to honor your sensory system during sessions, whether it’s through assessment, therapy, one-on-one coaching, or accommodations consulting. Please feel free to have your fidgets and sensory items accessible to you so that you are comfortable. Low-light-friendly, pet-friendly, snacks, whatever it is that helps you feel less stressed — our priority is that you have what you need to feel safe and comfortable. Our team will do the same.