stimming

noun

stim·​ming ˈsti-miŋ 

: a self-stimulatory behavior that is marked by a repetitive action or movement of the body (such as repeatedly tapping on objects or the ears, snapping the fingers, blinking the eyes, rocking from side to side, or grunting) and is typically associated with certain conditions (such as autism spectrum disorder)

Stimming is seen by many therapists as a protective response to less predictable environmental stimuli that some can be overly sensitive to.

—Kayla Jane Jeffers

When a person with autism engages in self-stimulatory behaviors such as rocking, pacing, aligning or spinning objects, or hand-flapping, people around him may be confused, offended, or even frightened. Also known as "stimming," these behaviors are often characterized by rigid, repetitive movements and vocal sounds.

—Teka J. Harris

Subtler forms of stimming such as tapping a pencil, biting one's nails or twirling one's hair are common in most people's behavior patterns.

—Megan Sheet

stim

ˈstim 

intransitive verb

stimmed; stimming; stims

If you've ever tapped your fingers against a counter while you were waiting, congratulations, you've stimmed. Autistic people tend to stim more often and more intensely. Stimming helps us process the sensory input we're gathering, stay calm and grounded in an overwhelming universe, and express joy, distress, or whatever we might be feeling.

—Julia Bascom

Examples of stimming in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But stimming takes on many other forms that are common in the workplace, such as humming, pen-clicking or using stress balls and fidget toys. —Pamela Furr, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025

For example, stimming, or self-stimulating behavior, is associated with people who have ADHD or ASD. —Pamela Furr, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025

The following organizations offer valuable online autism resources, support groups, and other ways to access support for stimming and other aspects of living with autism: When to Ask a Provider Symptoms of ASD can range from mild to extreme. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 21 Apr. 2025

Extreme responses to sensory inputs can include trigger stimming (repetitive actions), meltdowns, or self-injurious behaviors. 4. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 21 Apr. 2025

There were also marginally significant improvements in tantrums, stimming/perseveration, and cognition. —Nick Lavars, New Atlas, 21 Apr. 2025

If your autistic child chews on objects as a form of stimming, these necklaces are an easy and convenient way to redirect their behavior. —Laura Lu, Ms, Parents, 6 Mar. 2024

For example, research has found that stimming alleviates anxiety and energy. —Lauren Rowello, Health, 3 Mar. 2023

Some evidence suggests that stimming is common in learning environments. —Lauren Rowello, Health, 3 Mar. 2023

Word History

Etymology

probably short for earlier self-stimming, from self-stim(ulation) + -ing entry 1

First Known Use

1983, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for stimming

• brimming
• dimming
• miming
• rimming
• skimming
• slimming
• swimming
• trimming