For many autistic children, stimming isn’t just a habit—it’s a way to navigate the world. Whether it’s spinning in circles to feel grounded or repeating words to process emotions, these behaviors serve a purpose.
I once spoke with a father whose four-year-old son constantly flicked his fingers in front of his eyes. At first, he was concerned. “I didn’t know if it was bad or if it was just something he liked doing,” he told me. When the son started ABA therapy, the worried that the therapists might try to stop the behavior completely.
But what he learned surprised him—rather than eliminating stimming, the therapists worked to understand why his son did it. Was it for sensory enjoyment? Was it preventing him from engaging with others? With this knowledge, he felt more confident in supporting his son in a way that balanced self-expression with skill-building.
Understanding Stimming in Autism
What is Stimming?
Stimming, short for self-stimulatory behavior, refers to repetitive movements, sounds, or actions that autistic individuals engage in. These behaviors can vary widely from person to person but often serve an important purpose in helping individuals regulate their emotions and sensory experiences.
Some common forms of stimming include:
- Hand-flapping or finger-flicking – Often seen when a child is excited or overstimulated.
- Rocking back and forth – May help with self-soothing in overwhelming environments.
- Echolalia (repeating words or sounds) – Can be a way to process language or express excitement.
- Spinning or pacing – Helps some children focus or relieve stress.
- Tapping, rubbing, or squeezing objects – A form of sensory input regulation.
While some forms of stimming are completely harmless, others—such as head-banging or self-biting—may pose a risk and require intervention.
Why Do Autistic Children Stim?
Stimming serves multiple functions depending on the individual:
- Self-regulation – Helps children manage sensory overload, stress, or anxiety.
- Emotional expression – A way to show joy, excitement, or frustration.
- Focus and concentration – Some children stim to help maintain attention during tasks.
- Sensory input – Provides necessary sensory stimulation for those who seek additional input.
Understanding that stimming is a natural and meaningful behavior is crucial when considering any intervention.
Does ABA Try to Stop Stimming?
The Evolution of ABA Therapy and Stimming
ABA therapy has changed significantly over the years. In the past, older ABA programs focused on eliminating behaviors that made autistic children appear different—including stimming.
However, modern ABA therapy takes a more individualized and respectful approach, focusing on when and why stimming occurs rather than simply trying to eliminate it. ABA therapists now assess:
- Is the stimming harmful? (e.g., head-banging, self-injury)
- Does it interfere with the child’s learning or communication?
- Can it be replaced with a more functional behavior in specific situations?
Instead of suppressing stimming, ABA therapists work to understand the child’s needs and provide support accordingly.
When Might ABA Address Stimming?
ABA therapy does not aim to stop all stimming, but it may address stimming in specific situations:
1. If Stimming Is Harmful
Some forms of stimming can lead to self-injury, such as hitting oneself, biting, or excessive head-banging. In these cases, ABA therapy helps the child develop safer coping mechanisms while ensuring they still have ways to self-regulate.
2. If Stimming Interferes with Learning
Imagine a child in a classroom setting who is so focused on spinning in circles that they can’t participate in lessons. In cases like this, ABA therapists may help the child learn to redirect their stimming to more appropriate moments or introduce alternative self-regulation strategies.
3. If Stimming Impacts Social Interactions
For children who want to engage with peers but struggle due to stimming that draws attention, ABA may help them learn when and where certain behaviors are socially appropriate. For example, a child might be encouraged to use a fidget toy instead of rocking excessively in social settings.
However, if stimming does not harm the child or significantly impact their quality of life, modern ABA therapy typically does not seek to eliminate it.
How ABA Approaches Stimming in a Supportive Way
1. Understanding the Function of Stimming
Rather than trying to stop stimming immediately, ABA therapists analyze why a child engages in certain behaviors. This functional assessment helps determine if the behavior serves a sensory need, emotional regulation, or a form of communication.
2. Introducing Alternative Coping Strategies
If a child’s stimming is harmful or disruptive, therapists may introduce alternative ways to self-regulate. This can include:
- Sensory tools – Providing weighted blankets, fidget toys, or textured items to fulfill sensory needs.
- Movement breaks – Allowing structured times for stimming instead of stopping it altogether.
- Functional communication training – Teaching children to express needs verbally or through gestures.
3. Teaching Self-Advocacy
Older children in ABA therapy are often encouraged to recognize when they need to stim and how to advocate for themselves. They might learn to request a quiet space when feeling overwhelmed or choose a subtle stim that doesn’t interfere with school or social interactions.
4. Promoting Acceptance of Neurodiversity
Rather than focusing on eliminating stimming, modern ABA therapy embraces neurodiversity by helping children thrive in ways that respect their unique needs. Many therapists also work with parents to encourage acceptance of harmless stimming behaviors.
Conclusion
Stimming is a natural and often beneficial behavior for autistic individuals. While ABA therapy may address certain types of stimming in cases where it is harmful or significantly impacts learning, it does not aim to eliminate all stimming. Instead, it helps children develop self-regulation skills while respecting their individual needs.
At Connect N Care, we provide compassionate, evidence-based ABA therapy that prioritizes your child’s well-being. Our approach respects neurodiversity while supporting children in developing essential skills for independence and success.
If you’re looking for personalized support, reach out to Connect N Care to learn more about our services and how we can help your child thrive.
FAQs
Should I be worried about my child’s stimming?
Not necessarily. Stimming is a natural part of autism and often serves an important self-regulation purpose. However, if stimming is causing harm or interfering with daily life, it may be helpful to explore alternative coping strategies.
Does ABA therapy completely stop stimming?
No, modern ABA does not try to eliminate stimming unless it is harmful. Instead, it focuses on understanding why a child stims and providing strategies to help manage it in specific situations.
Can stimming be replaced with something less noticeable?
In some cases, therapists may introduce more subtle ways for a child to self-regulate, such as using fidget toys or deep-breathing exercises. However, the goal is not to suppress self-expression but to support the child’s needs in different environments.
Sources:
- https://www.drakeinstitute.com/what-is-stimming-in-autism
- https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/understand-stimming-repetitive-behaviors-purpose
- https://childmind.org/article/autism-and-stimming/
- https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/autism-stimming-causes-management-and-types/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3709868/
