stimming

[ stim-ing ]

noun

1. the repetition of physical movements or articulated noises exhibited by people, especially young children and those with developmental disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder, often in reaction to a mental or emotional state:

   Stimming, like covering my ears while repeating a sound, can soothe intense feelings and bring back my sense of control.

Word History and Origins

Origin of stimming¹

First recorded in 1980–85; shortening of earlier self-stimming, from self ( def ) + stim(ulation) ( def ) + -ing ¹( def )

Example Sentences

Riches began to feel comfortable enough to let his housemates see him stimming, which is self-stimulatory behaviour like making noises or repetitive body movements, for example with a hand or a finger.

From BBC

Riches told Access All he feels that he has helped other people with autism by allowing the cameras to show him stimming.

From BBC

Riches added that people on social media said, 'he's literally stimming, like, how important is that?'.

From BBC

“She’s stimming,” Scout LaRue said, referring to repeated movements that some people with autism may do to regulate their senses.

From Los Angeles Times

Each hand had three smooth, gold half-orbs on the ring finger made of plastic and encased in gel — emitting a xylophone-like sound when touched in a quick up-down motion — to soothe her stimming.

From Los Angeles Times