A Key Aspect of Autism That Deserves Acceptance

There's a significant aspect of autism that's often misunderstood and stigmatized - stimming. This is a term short for self-stimulatory behavior, a range of repetitive actions such as hand-flapping, rocking back and forth, or spinning. Despite the prevalence of stimming in individuals with autism, its purpose has been under continuous debate, with many experts deeming these behaviors purposeless.

A recent study, however, has given us a fresh perspective on the subject. By engaging directly with autistic adults, the study provided valuable first-hand insights into the experiences and significance of stimming.

Interestingly, while many participants said their stims are automatic and uncontrollable, none consistently disliked them. On the contrary, most participants described the behaviors as calming. A key finding was that stims often serve as a response to sensory overload or overpowering thoughts, leading to a state referred to as 'uncontainable emotion.' Whether the source is external or internal, stimming provides a means of regaining a sense of control and soothing these intense feelings.

Moreover, stimming can serve as a way of expressing emotions. The participants reported that they sometimes stim out of joy or excitement and other times out of anxiety or boredom. The emotion influences the behavior, thus allowing some people to "read" the emotions of autistic individuals by observing the nuances of their stim behaviors.

Despite these positive aspects of stimming, the study found that many participants experienced social judgment and rejection because of their stimming behaviors. In response, they often felt compelled to conceal, transmute, or suppress their stims - actions that were far from beneficial. The effort to suppress stims requires a lot of energy and can make individuals feel more on edge.

Contrary to the belief that stims are a distraction, many autistic people assert that stims help them concentrate on other things. In fact, they liken stims to the doodling neurotypical people might do, freeing their mind to concentrate on other matters.

Therapeutic attempts to eliminate stimming have remained common, but this approach is misguided. It strips individuals of a key means of coping. While some forms of stimming that are harmful (like head-banging) do warrant sensitive, consensual treatment, the broad suppression of stimming is not beneficial.

Instead, the study suggests that the focus should be on addressing the reasons for stimming, such as sensory overload or distress. Participants mentioned several environmental modifications, such as earplugs and rimmed hats to reduce sensory input, and settings that accommodate autistic people’s needs or schedules that include breaks.

The study also hinted at commonalities between stimming and the 'fidgeting' that neurotypical people do. Recognizing this fact might aid in the acceptance and understanding of stimming behaviors.

In conclusion, stimming is an integral part of the autism experience. It serves several important functions for autistic individuals, from calming overwhelming emotions to facilitating concentration. Instead of attempting to suppress these behaviors, the focus should be on fostering understanding and acceptance, making necessary environmental modifications, and addressing the underlying causes of distress that lead to stimming. This approach not only humanizes autistic individuals but also opens up new avenues for effective and empathetic support.