The term “stimming” is short for self-stimulatory behavior and is sometimes also called “stereotypic” behavior. In a person with autism, stimming usually refers to specific behaviors that include hand- flapping, rocking, spinning, or repetition of words and phrases. People with autism stim to help themselves to manage anxiety, fear, anger, excitement, anticipation, and other strong emotions. They also stim to help themselves handle overwhelming sensory input (too much noise, light, heat, etc.). There are also times when people stim out of habit, just as neurotypical people bite their nails, twirl their hair, or tap their feet out of habit.
The Boy started “stimming” at about age 3, I believe it is his way of processing information as I see him do it most after school or when he is exposed to something new. He likes to hold symmetrical objects in his hands and really focus on them. It has always made me smile as he seems so content, at times he appears to be dancing, “dancing like nobody’s watching”. Its his jam. Get down with your bad self my strange and wonderful little man.
boho memento 