Stimming

Hand rubbing faux-fur
Feeling soft or otherwise enjoyable textures is a common form of stimming.

Self-stimulatory behavior, also known as stimming[1] and self-stimulation,[2] is the repetition of physical movements, sounds, or repetitive movement of objects common in individuals with developmental disabilities, but most prevalent in people with autistic spectrum disorders.[2][3] It is considered a way in which people with autism calm and stimulate themselves.[2] Therapists view this behavior as a protective response to being overly sensitive to stimuli, with which the individual blocks less predictable environmental stimuli.[4] Sensory processing disorder is also given as a reason by some therapists for the condition.[4] Another theory is that stimming is a way to relieve anxiety, and other emotions.[5]

Common stimming behaviors (sometimes called stims[6]) include: hand flapping, rocking, head banging, repeating noises or words, snapping fingers, spinning objects, etc.[7][8] Stimming is almost always a symptom of autism, but it is also regarded as part of some non-autistic individuals' behavioral patterns.[9] The biggest difference between autistic and non-autistic stimming is the type of stim and the quantity of stimming.[9]

In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association, this type of behavior is listed as one of the symptoms of autism or a "stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms".[10] There are numerous ways to reduce or eliminate stereotypic behaviors.[3] Some of them include providing an individual with alternative forms of stimulation; drugs have been used to reduce stimming (however, it is not clear whether the drugs are actually beneficial or restrict the individual from finding relief).[3]

Stimming can, in some cases, be a self-injurious behavior.[11] Common forms of these behaviors include: head-banging, hand-biting, and excessive self-rubbing and scratching.[11]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Rosalind Bergemann (2013). An Asperger Leader's Guide to Living and Leading Change. Jessica Kingsley Publishers. ISBN 9780857008725.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Valerie Foley (2011). The Autism Experience. ReadHowYouWant.com. ISBN 9781458797285.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D. (date unknown). "Self-Stimulatory Behavior". Autism Research Institute. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Gretchen Mertz Cowell (2004). Help for the Child with Asperger's Syndrome: A Parent's Guide to Negotiating the Social Service Maze. Jessica Kingsley Publishers. ISBN 9781846420429.
  5. ↑ Eileen Bailey (July 15, 2011). "Autism Spectrum Disorders and Anxiety". Health Central. Retrieved 25 March 2014.
  6. ↑ Temple Grandin, PhD (November–December 2011). "Why Do Kids with Autism Stim?". Autism Digest. Retrieved 25 March 2014.
  7. ↑ Eileen Bailey (August 27, 2012). "Stimming". Health Central. Retrieved 25 March 2014.
  8. ↑ "Stimming: What autistic people do to feel calmer". BBC. 5 June 2013. Retrieved 25 March 2014.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Lisa Jo Rudy (October 13, 2009). "Stimming". About.com. Retrieved 24 March 2014.
  10. ↑ “Autism Spectrum Disorders,” 1994, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, American Psychiatric Association
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D. (date unknown). "Self-Injurious Behavior". Autism Research Institute. Retrieved 29 March 2014. Check date values in: |date= (help)