Stimming

Stimming is short for self-stimulatory behaviour. It describes repetitive movements, sounds, or actions that help regulate how someone feels — mentally, emotionally, or physically.

Some common examples include:

• Hand-flapping
• Rocking or pacing
• Repeating words or phrases
• Tapping or clicking pens
• Fidgeting with objects
• Humming, singing, or making rhythmic sounds

Why people stim

Stimming can:

• Help calm down or feel more in control
• Express happiness, frustration, or excitement
• Make overwhelming sensory environments feel more manageable
• Keep focus or attention during tasks

It’s especially common in autistic people, but also seen in ADHD, anxiety, sensory processing differences, and more.

It’s not a problem

Stimming is a natural coping strategy. It only becomes an issue if:

• It causes harm (to self or others)
• It’s being judged unfairly because it looks “different”

Trying to stop someone from stimming without understanding why they do it can lead to anxiety, emotional distress, or shutdown.

In short: stimming helps many people feel safe, focused, and grounded. And in most cases, it doesn’t need to be “fixed” at all.