STIMMING Definition & Meaning

stimming

[ stim-ing ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the repetition of physical movements or articulated noises exhibited by people, especially young children and those with developmental disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder, often in reaction to a mental or emotional state:
Stimming, like covering my ears while repeating a sound, can soothe intense feelings and bring back my sense of control.

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51�Թ� History and Origins

First recorded in 1980–85; shortening of earlier self-stimming, from self ( def ) + stim(ulation) ( def ) + -ing ¹( def )

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

“For example, getting into trouble for stimming only added to my anxiety and self-doubt. Conforming to the acceptable norms kept me isolated and misunderstood.”

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Riches began to feel comfortable enough to let his housemates see him stimming, which is self-stimulatory behaviour like making noises or repetitive body movements, for example with a hand or a finger.

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Riches told Access All he feels that he has helped other people with autism by allowing the cameras to show him stimming.

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Riches added that people on social media said, 'he's literally stimming, like, how important is that?'.

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“She’s stimming,” Scout LaRue said, referring to repeated movements that some people with autism may do to regulate their senses.

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