Stimming: Self-Stimulating Behavior in Autism

  Autism is a spectrum and, as such, accommodates rather different realities. Indeed, not all people with autism have the same social functioning, IQ, or abilities and interests. However, there’s one characteristic that occurs frequently and that, in the eyes of the observer, isn’t only conspicuous but also incomprehensible and disturbing. It’s known as stimming. This term refers to self-stimulatory behavior. It consists of repetitive actions with no apparent purpose that helps the individual regulate themselves. It’s also known as stereotypical behavior and isn’t unique to autism. In fact, it can occur in sufferers of various sensory or neurological defects, in…