Understanding Stimming in Children
Welcome to the BrainX Movement breakdown of Stimming and the symptoms.
Stimming Doesn't have to Define Your Child
This article aims to explore Stimming signs, diagnosis, the traditional methods of support and the BrainX method to supporting children.
Stimming, short for self-stimulatory behaviour, is a repetitive or unusual body movement or noise that children may engage in to self-soothe or express emotions. This behaviour is commonly studied in autism research and is associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) but can also occur in children without ASD.networks in the brain.
What is Self Stimulatory Behaviour?
Stimming refers to repetitive movements or sounds that individuals, particularly children, use to regulate their sensory input and emotions. These behaviours can manifest in various forms, including:
- Hand flapping
- Rocking back and forth
- Spinning objects
- Repeating words or phrases
- Making unusual noises
These are common stimming examples observed in children.
While stimming is often associated with autism, it’s important to note that many children without developmental disorders may also engage in stimming behaviours occasionally.
The BrainX way of supporting children with Stimming
Addressing the cause not supporting the symptoms.
By truly understanding the brain’s developmental process, BrainX categorically believes that Stimming is not a life sentence and through movement, exercise, nutrition and education all behaviours can be reversed we....
- Offer no medication
- Assess for Retained Primitive Reflexes
- Assess for Hemispheric Imbalances
- Assess for Sensory Dysfunctions
And offer exercises and movement programs to rebalance the neurological foundations, helping our children thrive.
The Major Neurological Milestones...
Through our research and clinical practice, we repeatedly see these major neurological milestones as the causality of Stimming:
Unintegrated Moro Reflex, ATNR , Spinal Galant reflex, TLR, STNR, Palmer Reflex, Rooting Reflex, Babinski Reflex & Landau Reflex coupled with dysfunctional Breathing, sensory delays (in particular
vestibular and proprioception) & dysfunctional movement patterns.
Learn more about Primitive Reflexes, and how they need to be 'turned off' >
Signs and Symptoms of Sensory Overload
Doctors look at three main areas when checking for ADHD in children:
Inattentiveness - Trouble Paying Attention
Children with ADHD might:
- Find it hard to pay attention to details and make careless mistakes in schoolwork
- Struggle to stay focused on tasks or play activities
- Seem not to listen when spoken to directly
- Have trouble following instructions and finishing schoolwork or chores
- Often lose things needed for tasks and activities (e.g., school materials, pencils, books)
- Be easily distracted by things happening around them
- Forget to do daily activities, like brushing teeth or doing homework
Hyperactivity - Being Very Active
Children with ADHD might:
- Fidget a lot, tap their hands or feet, or squirm in their seat
- Leave their seat when they're expected to stay seated, like in the classroom
- Run about or climb in situations where it's not appropriate
- Have trouble playing or doing activities quietly
- Always seem to be "on the go" as if "driven by a motor"
- Talk too much
Current Treatment Options
Below is the traditional thought process of treatment options. It is completely outdated. We have successfully treated many children with stimming - by firstly addressing Retained Primitive Reflexes, then Sensory Dysfunctions, in particular eye tracking, audio and breathing and finally postural, stability and coordination dysfunction. Then behaviour and occupational therapies become really effective.
The approach to managing stimming, or self stimulatory behaviour, depends on its impact on the child’s daily life and whether it’s associated with a specific condition. Treatment options may include:
- Behavioural therapies: Techniques like Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) can help manage disruptive stimming behaviours
- Occupational therapy: This can address sensory processing issues that may contribute to stimming
- Environmental modifications: Creating a sensory-friendly environment may reduce the need for stimming
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): For older children, CBT can help develop coping strategies for anxiety or stress that may trigger stimming
Primx Programme
Primx Programme
See if your child would benefit from our course and train
Support and Resources
If you’re seeking support or more information about stimming in children, consider the following resources:
- Autism support organisations: Many autism-focused groups offer resources specifically for children with autism, providing information on stimming and sensory processing
- Online communities: Connect with other parents who have experience with stimming behaviours
- Educational materials: Look for books and articles that explain stimming in child-friendly terms
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is essential that as a society we shift away from the narrative that developmental disorders are genetic, fixed, and permanent. There is no scientific or medical evidence to support this view. Recognising that these disorders are not immutable opens up the possibility of reversing their associated symptoms and behaviours.
Our incredible brain, through neuroplasticity, has an extraordinary capacity to adapt and improve when provided with the right stimuli—movement, nutrition, and cognitive engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions | Stimming
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