Stimming
Repetitive movements or sounds for sensory regulation. Reframed from 'problem behaviour' to necessary nervous system tool.
AutismADHDSensory ProcessingEmotional Regulation
Layer 2: Validated
Clinical Recognition
Extensively studied as 'stereotyped/repetitive behaviours' in autism literature. Mechanism validated: sensory regulation and emotional processing.
Community Validation
Universal recognition. Major reframing from pathology to function. Stimming as neurodivergent joy, regulation, and communication.
Published
17 December 2025 by Team Heumans
Stimming (self-stimulatory behaviour) is repetitive movement, sound, or sensory input that regulates the nervous system. Hand-flapping, rocking, spinning, vocal sounds, hair-twirling, leg-bouncing, chewing. It's not purposeless. It's the nervous system's external regulation system.
Stimming can express joy (happy flapping), process overwhelm (rocking through sensory overload), maintain focus (fidgeting during meetings), or communicate emotion when words fail. Suppressing stims doesn't eliminate the need—it just removes the regulation tool, leading to internal buildup and eventual collapse.