What is stimming? Guide to different types of stimming

If you or someone you know is neurodivergent, you may be familiar with stimming. Short for self-stimulation, stimming refers to repetitive behaviors commonly exhibited by neurodivergent people. While stimming is often associated with autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can also involve stimming for different reasons. Stimming is natural. It can help with self-regulation, expression or just providing comfort.

But what is stimming? Stimming is most commonly identified by stereotypical behaviors that have been traditionally associated with autism. However, stimming can actually take on a lot of different forms. These can encompass a range of sensory experiences. To understand what stimming is, it can help to understand the different types expressed. By understanding and accepting stimming as a natural way to self-soothe, we can honor what our bodies need.

Types of stimming

• Vocal — Vocal stimming uses the voice to create repeated sounds. Sometimes these sounds can be words or phrases. Some autistic people stim with their voice without using words. Vocal stimming can manifest as humming, vocalizing specific sounds and making rhythmic noises. Random noises can also be a helpful part of our stimming experience.

• Oral — Oral stims are those that involve the mouth. Chewing, biting or sucking on objects are some common expressions of oral stimming. Repeated tongue and lip movements can also be a part of oral stimming. Like other sources of self-stimulation, these behaviors can provide comfort to us. This can be especially helpful when we are experiencing anxiety or stress.

• Auditory — Stimulating the auditory sense can be very soothing. Familiar sounds can offer a needed reprieve in challenging situations. Auditory stimming can take on many forms. Tapping, knocking, clapping and finger snapping are all common ways to make soothing sounds. Some autistic people will also use objects that make specific noises or listen to their favorite songs. Auditory stimulation can be a good way to self-regulate or provide that needed sensory input with comforting and predictable sounds.

• Visual — Visual stimming is stimulating to one’s eyesight. This can involve looking at or staring at objects, lights, colors, or movement in the visual field. Some autistic individuals enjoy staring at spinning objects, or color-changing lights, or anything that is interesting or soothing to the eyes. Others may move their fingers in front of their eyes, or track objects with their eyes. Different visual information is processed differently according to each individual’s sensory system and preferences, but sight can be an important source of self-regulation for many.  

• Proprioceptive — This form of stimming relies on body awareness. People seeking proprioceptive stimulation often look for physical contact and pressure. Sensory input through muscle and joint movements is a crucial part of this stimulation. Proprioceptive stimming is sometimes confused with vestibular stimming. However, these are two distinct stimming types. What separates these stimming types is the exact sensory inputs they involve. Proprioception involves the space our bodies occupy (such as pushing, pulling, or squeezing), while vestibular stimulation has more to do with physical balance (such as climbing or swinging). Both are valid and often helpful ways to regulate our sensory input.

• Olfactory — The sense of smell is often underappreciated. Familiar smells can provide a sense of comfort and security. New smells can also be a great way to explore and engage with an environment. Olfactory stimming can mean sniffing certain objects or taking in specific scents. What olfactory stimming is helpful for can vary from person to person. Generally it can provide individuals with a sense of satisfaction and comfort.

• Tactile — Tactile stimming refers to seeking stimulation through touch. Sensory input through touch can come in many forms. Rubbing your skin and running fingers through your hair are some ways of receiving tactile stimulation. Tapping or drumming fingers is one of the more commonly seen forms of tactile stimming. Specific textures or objects can also be particularly soothing to a person. Tactile stimming can be a way to manage sensory overload, and it also is a way to receive feedback through touch that feels good.

• Vestibular — What is vestibular stimming? This question can seem difficult to answer, as vestibular stimming tends to be conflated with proprioceptive stimming. The defining sensory inputs associated with vestibular stimming are those related to balance and movement. Rocking back and forth, spinning, and jumping are all vestibular self-stimulating behaviors.

What stimming is helpful for

Stimming is natural and important. In addition to traditionally understood stims, there are many other forms stimming can take. Different types of stimming can provide autistic people with an avenue for self-expression, especially in environments where they feel free and safe to do so. It can also help to reduce stress and improve self-regulation. Of course, stimming can also feel very satisfying and pleasurable. By recognizing different types of stimming, and identifying what feels best for our sensory system, we can use these different regulatory behaviors as a tool that can help us in our daily lives. 

NeuroSpark’s neurodivergent-affirming services can help people understand and work with their unique sensory needs and differences 

At NeuroSpark, we value the journey of self-discovery and self understanding. Part of this understanding includes identifying and honoring what our body needs, gaining awareness about how we process sensory information, and learning how to manage stressors in our environment. Stimming is a wonderful way to engage in unmasked self-acceptance and expression as an autistic person.