Have you ever noticed yourself tapping your foot during a stressful meeting, twirling your hair while thinking, or clicking a pen repeatedly? These behaviors are actually forms of “stimming” – a natural human response that everyone experiences to some degree. However, when stimming becomes more frequent, intense, or disruptive, it may signal underlying neurological differences such as ADHD or autism spectrum disorder – conditions that fall under the broader category of neurodivergence. Understanding what it means to be neurodivergent can provide valuable context for understanding stimming behaviors.
At KMN Psych in San Diego, we frequently encounter questions about stimming behaviors during our comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations. Understanding what stimming is, why it occurs, and when professional assessment might be helpful can provide valuable insights for individuals and families seeking answers about attention, focus, and behavioral patterns.
What is Stimming?
Stimming, short for “self-stimulatory behavior,” refers to repetitive movements, sounds, or actions that people use to self-regulate their emotions, cope with sensory experiences, or maintain focus. These behaviors are found to some degree in all people, but are especially intense and frequent in those with developmental disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sensory processing disorder, or autism.
The term encompasses a wide range of behaviors, from subtle actions like nail-biting or hair-twirling to more noticeable movements like hand-flapping, rocking, or making repetitive sounds. Through self-stimulation, or stimming, individuals may attempt to reduce anxiety, block out stimulus from the outside world, or combat other negative emotions.
Common Types of Stimming Behaviors
Stimming behaviors can affect different sensory systems and take many forms:
Auditory Stimming:
- Humming, whistling, or throat clearing
- Repeating words or phrases (echolalia)
- Listening to the same song repeatedly
- Making clicking or snapping sounds
Visual Stimming:
- Hand-flapping or finger movements
- Staring at spinning objects or lights
- Blinking repeatedly
- Moving objects in front of the eyes
Tactile Stimming:
- Skin rubbing or picking
- Hair twirling or pulling
- Fidgeting with objects
- Tapping or touching surfaces repeatedly
Motor Stimming:
- Rocking back and forth
- Spinning or pacing
- Jumping or bouncing
- Head movements or nodding
Vocal Stimming:
- Repeating sounds or words
- Making unusual vocalizations
- Coughing or clearing throat repeatedly
The Connection Between Stimming and ADHD
For people with ADHD, stimming can sometimes help with concentration. It is often motivated by the need for sensory stimulation or a way to manage impulsivity. People with ADHD often rely on stims to help pay attention and focus more, making these behaviors serve a functional purpose in managing symptoms.
Individuals with ADHD may use stimming to:
- Increase focus and attention during boring or repetitive tasks
- Manage hyperactivity and restlessness
- Process emotions and cope with stress
- Provide sensory input when feeling understimulated
Researchers have found that individuals with ADHD have low levels of dopamine, a reward drug, in their system. This leads them to seek feelings or drugs that increase dopamine or provide stimulus. Stimming behaviors can help fill this neurochemical gap, providing the stimulation needed to maintain attention and emotional regulation.
If you’re wondering whether your attention difficulties, hyperactivity, or stimming behaviors might be related to ADHD, understanding how adult ADHD is diagnosed can provide valuable insights. Many adults discover later in life that their lifelong patterns of stimming and attention challenges stem from undiagnosed ADHD. Learn more about whether you can develop ADHD as an adult or explore how to get tested for ADHD to begin your journey toward answers.
Stimming and Autism Spectrum Disorder
For people with autism, stimming is much more pronounced. This is because people with autism experience senses differently. Their experience of the world is often more intense because their senses are heightened. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association, stimming behavior is described as “stereotyped or repetitive motor mannerisms” and listed as one of the five key diagnostic criteria of autism spectrum disorder.
Autistic individuals may use stimming to:
- Cope with sensory overload or overwhelming environments
- Self-soothe during times of stress or anxiety
- Express emotions, both positive and negative
- Regulate sensory input when feeling over- or understimulated
- Manage pain or physical discomfort
Many adults and children on the autism spectrum have reported that they stim to help adapt to their environments. Some people report that they stim to counteract an overwhelming sensory input or as a way to reduce internal anxiety. If you have questions about autism spectrum disorder and the diagnostic process, our comprehensive autism testing and diagnosis FAQ provides detailed information about what to expect during an autism evaluation.
When Stimming Becomes a Concern
While stimming is a natural behavior that serves important functions, it may become concerning when it:
- Interferes with daily activities, work, or school performance
- Causes physical harm or injury
- Significantly impacts social interactions or relationships
- Prevents engagement in meaningful activities
- Becomes the primary way of coping with stress or emotions
Educational research is beginning to reconceptualize stimming as a form of embodied cognition that may actually support learning and thinking processes, rather than interfere with them. This shift in perspective emphasizes the importance of understanding the individual context and function of stimming behaviors.
- Research on repetitive behaviors has found that stimming is associated with increased self-efficacy and may have beneficial effects, particularly when individuals are able to engage in these behaviors freely rather than suppressing them.
Stimming doesn’t necessarily need to be controlled unless it’s causing a problem. If you’re the person doing the stimming, and you feel that it’s become a problem, then that’s answer enough.
The Benefits of Professional Assessment
If you or a loved one experiences frequent or intense stimming behaviors, a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation can provide valuable insights. At KMN Psych, our assessments help determine whether stimming behaviors are related to:
- ADHD and attention difficulties
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Anxiety or mood disorders
- Sensory processing differences
- Learning disabilities or cognitive differences
Our comprehensive mental health evaluation process includes detailed analysis of behavioral patterns, attention and focus abilities, sensory processing, and emotional regulation. For individuals seeking answers about ADHD specifically, our specialized ADHD testing can clarify whether stimming behaviors are part of a broader pattern of attention and executive function differences.
Understanding how to get an ADHD diagnosis can be particularly helpful for adults who have lived with unexplained stimming behaviors and attention challenges throughout their lives.
Management and Support Strategies
Professional assessment can lead to effective management strategies that respect the individual’s need for self-regulation while addressing any problematic aspects of stimming. These may include:
Environmental Modifications:
- Reducing sensory overload in home, work, or school environments
- Creating quiet spaces for self-regulation
- Providing alternative sensory tools or fidget devices
Skill Development:
- Teaching alternative coping strategies for stress and anxiety
- Developing awareness of when stimming occurs
- Building communication skills to express needs and emotions
Educational Support:
- Implementing accommodations in academic or work settings
- Educating family members and peers about stimming behaviors
- Advocating for understanding and acceptance in social environments
Therapeutic Interventions:
- Occupational therapy for sensory processing support
- Behavioral therapy to develop alternative strategies
- Counseling to address underlying anxiety or emotional challenges
Take the Next Step Toward Understanding
If you recognize stimming behaviors in yourself or a loved one and wonder about their connection to ADHD, autism, or other neurological differences, you don’t have to navigate these questions alone. Professional neuropsychological testing can provide the clarity and answers you’ve been seeking.
Ready to understand what’s behind your stimming behaviors? Call KMN Psych at (858) 923-4228 to schedule your comprehensive evaluation. Get the insights you need to move forward with confidence and the right support strategies for your unique neurological profile.
References
Duvall, J. A., Dunham, A. J., Tager-Flusberg, H., & Losh, M. (2022). Comparative analysis of self-stimulatory behaviors in ASD and ADHD. PMC, 11860154. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11860154/
Kapp, S. K., Steward, R., Crane, L., Elliott, D., Elphick, C., Pellicano, E., & Russell, G. (2019). ‘People should be allowed to do what they like’: Autistic adults’ views and experiences of stimming. Autism, 23(7), 1782-1792. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6728747/
Maleeh, R., & Doherty, L. (2023). Repetitive behaviours in autistic and non-autistic adults: Associations with sensory sensitivity and impact on self-efficacy. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 54(2), 456-471. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37751091/
Tancredi, S., & Abrahamson, D. (2024). Stimming as thinking: A critical reevaluation of self-stimulatory behavior as an epistemic resource for inclusive education. Educational Psychology Review, 36(3), 1-42. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10648-024-09904-y