🤲 What Is Stimming?

Understanding a Vital Part of Neurodivergent Experience

You might have heard the term “stimming” before — or maybe you’ve seen someone flap their hands, tap their fingers, rock back and forth, or use a fidget toy.

These are all examples of stimming — and for many neurodivergent people, it’s a completely natural and helpful behaviour.

But what exactly is stimming, and why does it matter that we understand it?

🧠 What Is Stimming?

Stimming is short for self-stimulatory behaviour.

It’s something many neurodivergent people do to help regulate emotions, manage sensory input, reduce stress, or simply feel comfortable in their own bodies.

Stimming might look different for each person and can include:

• Hand flapping or finger flicking

• Rocking back and forth

• Repeating words or sounds

• Tapping, spinning, or using objects in specific ways

• Humming, pacing, or chewing

  
  

It can be quiet or loud, subtle or visible — and it often brings comfort, focus, and a sense of control in overwhelming environments.

🧩 Doesn’t Everyone Stim?

Yes — in fact, most people stim in some way!

Think of tapping your foot while waiting, doodling in a meeting, or playing with your hair when you’re nervous. These are common forms of stimming.

For neurodivergent people, though, stimming might be more frequent or more noticeable — and it can be an essential way to regulate sensory or emotional overload.

🚫 Is It a Bad Thing?

Not at all.

There’s a common myth that stimming is something to stop — but in reality, stimming is often helpful, not harmful.

Trying to suppress stimming can cause:

• Anxiety

• Discomfort

• Loss of focus

• Even emotional distress

  
  

Instead of asking “How can we stop it?” — we should be asking:

Is this hurting anyone?

Is this person expressing themselves or regulating?

Understanding and acceptance go a long way.

💬 What If It Becomes Disruptive or Risky?

In some situations, a person’s stimming might cause them harm or interfere with daily life. In those cases, the goal shouldn’t be to remove the stimming altogether, but rather to:

• Understand why it’s happening

• Offer safer, alternative strategies

• Support regulation, not suppression

  
  

📘 Learn More in Our Learn Zone

Whether you’re a parent, carer, educator or simply curious to learn more, we’ve put together a collection of resources on stimming and neurodiversity in our Learn Zone.

🧠 Explore real-life examples, strategies, and stories

👉 Visit our Learn Zone

💙 Final Thoughts

Stimming is a powerful form of self-expression and self-regulation.

When we embrace and understand it, we take one more step toward building a world that respects neurodivergent experiences — without judgement, shame, or fear.

Let’s keep learning, listening, and showing up for each other — one stim at a time.