Raising a child with autism definitely comes with its own challenges and a ton of questions that can weigh on any parent’s heart. Many parents wonder why their child does things like hand-flapping, rocking, or making sounds, which are all part of stimming in autism or self-regulatory actions.
At first, these behaviors might seem a bit different from the “norm”, but they actually serve important purposes for kids with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions. Autism stimming can provide comfort, help kids with ASD deal with overwhelming situations, or just be a way for them to express themselves.
Understanding why these behaviors happen can empower parents and caregivers to offer the best support possible. At KC Therapy, we completely understand how important these questions are and the journey you’re on. That’s why we take a holistic approach to help not just the kids with autism with our compassionate therapy services but the whole family or support system.
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In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of stimming, highlighting its benefits and sharing some helpful strategies for supporting your child.
Emotional Regulation
Stimming plays a huge role in helping kids, especially those with autism, manage their emotions. Behaviors like rocking or hand-flapping can be super soothing when they’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed. It’s a way for them to release all that nervous energy and feel more in control.
Research shows that these self-stimulatory behaviors are like coping tools, helping kids stay calm during sensory overload or tough moments. It’s important to see stimming as more than just repetitive actions; they’re essential for kids to find comfort during stressful times. By understanding this, parents and caregivers can create warm, supportive spaces that embrace stimming as a natural way to help kids feel better.
Sensory Processing
Stimming in autism are often linked to how kids process sensory information. These behaviors can mean different things depending on if a child is hypersensitive or undersensitive.
Blocking Out Overwhelming Sensory Input
For hypersensitive kids, stimming can be a helpful way to cope with too much sensory input. A study found that many kids with autism can feel bombarded by sensory information, which can make them anxious. Stimming helps ease that overload by letting them focus on their repetitive actions, promoting a sense of calm, and helping them feel more in control of their emotions.
Providing Additional Sensory Stimulation
On the other hand, kids who don’t feel enough sensory input might start stimming to get some extra stimulation. This happens when their environment isn’t quite giving them what they need, so they self-stimulate to feel better.
Studies show that sensory seeking is common in kids with autism who have low sensory thresholds. By doing things like tapping or spinning, these kids can wake up their less active senses, helping them stay engaged and focused.
Communication
Understanding that stimming is more than just a series of repetitive actions can open a new world of insights into a child’s feelings and needs. For many children, especially those with autism, stimming acts as a vital form of non-verbal communication, shedding light on their emotions and environment-related needs.
Expressing Feelings
For some children, stimming serves as a way to express excitement, anxiety, or other strong emotions when words are hard to find. These actions can be like an emotional barometer.
For instance, a child might flap their hands vigorously when they’re thrilled or bounce if they’re waiting eagerly for something fun to happen. A 2019 study conducted by Kapp et al, highlighted that adults with autism often use stimming as a way to express feelings more honestly than they might be able to through speaking, showcasing autism stimming as an unfiltered emotional expression.
Signal for Comfort
Certain stimming actions could signal a need for comfort, acting as a silent request for help or reassurance. When a child continuously rocks back and forth or hums to themselves, it might indicate they’re looking for a sense of calm amid an unsettling situation.
This kind of stimming acts as a self-soothing mechanism that helps children feel secure. At times, self-soothing stimming behaviors are more frequent in situations perceived as stressful by children, underlining that these actions often reflect a need for comfort.
Indicators of Environmental Change
Stimming might also indicate that a child needs a change in their environment. This could be due to overstimulation or understimulation in their surroundings. A child might suddenly begin to spin or pace when they’re feeling overwhelmed, or when their sensory environment becomes too monotonous.
By closely observing these cues, parents and caregivers can adjust the surroundings to better suit the child’s needs, providing a more supportive and pleasant experience. With the experienced support of our trained BCBA experts at KC Therapy, we can help parents and caregivers understand these cues and make necessary changes to support their child’s growth.
Learn More About Our ABA Therapy Services Today!
Pain Reduction
Stimming can be more than just a reaction to emotional or sensory input—it may also serve as a way for children to manage physical discomfort. While it might seem counterintuitive, some repetitive behaviors associated with stimming can actually help alleviate pain.
For instance, behaviors such as rocking or rhythmic movements might trigger the release of beta-endorphins, which are natural painkillers produced by the body. It’s essential for caregivers and health professionals to understand this potential aspect of stimming, as it could inform more compassionate and effective approaches to support and intervention.
KC Therapy Is Here to Support Your Child’s Development
At KC Therapy, we understand that stimming in autism is a natural and important part of how kids self-regulate, and it should be embraced, not discouraged. Our team of experienced BCBAs collaborates with parents and caregivers to create personalized treatment plans that consider each child’s unique needs, including their sensory processing styles and communication cues.
With our evidence-based ABA therapy services, we help children with autism reach their full potential by encouraging positive behaviors and teaching essential life skills in a caring and supportive environment. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about how we can support your child’s development!
