Project 2: Addressing Autism- Stimming Research:

 Stimming:

• Stimming, also known as self- stimulating behaviour, includes actions such as: arm or hand- flapping, finger-flicking, jumping, spinning, rocking and head banging.
• It can include the repetitive use of an object. Such as flicking a rubber band.
• People who have Autism can use stimming as a coping mechanism when they feel overwhelmed in social situations.
• Gives the person with Autism a sense of control. A way to calm and communicate their moods. However, many Autistic people say that their repetitive behaviours make them feel like a social outcast.
• Stims are automatic and uncontrollable

Why do some Autistic people stim?:

• For enjoyment
• An attempt to gain sensory input. Stims are a response to sensory overload. Such as a noisy room.
• An attempt to reduce sensory input
• To deal with stress and anxiety and to block out uncertainty

References:

Kapp

(2019)

Stimming, therapeutic for autistic people, deserves acceptance

Available at: https://www.spectrumnews.org/opinion/viewpoint/stimming-therapeutic-autistic-people-deserves-acceptance/

(Accessed: 18th March, 2023)

National autistic Society

(2023)

Stimming

Available at: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/behaviour/stimming/all-audiences

(Accessed: 18th March, 2023)