Autistic stimming explained – and why stopping it can lead to burnout

Many autistic people use everyday objects in repetitive ways. engagestock/Shutterstock

Stimming – short for “self-stimulatory behaviour” – is a form of self-soothing commonly seen in autistic people. It can involve repetitive movements, sounds, or actions and is commonly regarded in medical literature as part of “rigid and repetitive behaviour”.

This type of framing tends to cast stimming in a negative light, leading health professionals, teachers and even parents to try to stop it. But...