Stimming in Autism & ADHD: 7 Types, Examples, and Why Kids Do It

By Autism Mom · · 18 min read

Stimming in Autism & ADHD: 7 Types, Examples, and Why Kids Do It

Why do autistic and ADHD kids spin, flap, hum, or chew? Learn the 7 types of stimming, real examples, and gentle ways to support your child at home.

Does your autistic child spin in circles over and over? Flap their hands when they're excited? Rock back and forth, hum, or watch the wheels of a toy car spin?

Or maybe your child has ADHD and constantly taps their feet, chews on things, or can't seem to sit still.

These are all examples of something called stimming.

Stimming is short for self-stimulatory behaviour. It means making repeated movements, sounds, or actions that may help someone manage their feelings, focus, or get sensory input.

And here's something I wish more parents understood:

Stimming isn't automatically a problem that needs to be fixed.

For many autistic people and people with ADHD, stimming is a natural way to manage what they're feeling or experiencing.

As an autism mom who also has ADHD, I know how confusing some of these behaviours can be, especially when you're still learning about your child's sensory needs.

So let's talk about why stimming happens, the different types you might notice, and how you can support your child without making them feel like they're doing something wrong.

What Is Stimming in Autism and ADHD?

Stimming is when someone repeats certain movements, sounds, or actions.

Some examples include:

And guess what? Everyone stims sometimes!

Think about it.

Have you ever bounced your leg while sitting at your desk?

Twisted your hair while thinking?

Tapped your fingers when you were nervous?

Or paced around the room while talking on the phone?

Those can all be forms of stimming, too.

The difference is that some autistic people and people with ADHD may stim more often, more noticeably, or rely on it more to manage their sensory and emotional needs.

Stimming is especially common in autism, but it isn't something only autistic people do.

Why Do Autistic Children and Kids With ADHD Stim?

There isn't just one reason.

And the same movement can mean completely different things for different children.

For example, one child might flap their hands because they're excited.

Another might flap their hands when they're overwhelmed.

And another might simply enjoy how it feels!

Here are some common reasons children stim.

1. To Help Manage Big Feelings

Some children stim when they're feeling anxious, frustrated, scared, or overwhelmed.

You might notice your child rocking back and forth when they're upset or humming when they're in a busy place.

These repeated movements or sounds may help them feel more settled.

This is called self-regulation, which simply means finding ways to manage feelings and stress.

2. To Express Happiness or Excitement

This is one that I think often gets overlooked!

Not all stimming happens because a child is upset.

Sometimes they're just really, REALLY happy!

Maybe your child starts flapping their hands when they see their favourite toy.

Or they spin in circles when their favourite song comes on.

Or they jump up and down when they're excited about something.

That movement might be their way of expressing pure joy.

And honestly, I love that!

3. To Get Sensory Input

Some children seek out certain sounds, movements, sights, or textures because they enjoy how those things feel.

This is often called sensory seeking.

For example, a child might love spinning because of the movement they feel in their body.

Another child might enjoy watching a fan spin because they like the visual pattern.

And another might constantly squeeze a soft toy because they enjoy the pressure on their hands.

Not every sensory-seeking activity is a stim. But when a child repeats an action for sensory input, it can be.

4. To Help With Focus

This can be especially common in people with ADHD.

Sometimes moving actually helps us stay engaged with what we're doing.

Think about a child who bounces their leg while doing homework.

Or someone who doodles while listening to a conversation.

They might look distracted, but that movement may help them stay focused.

Of course, not every fidget helps every child. The key is noticing what works for them.

5. To Help With Sensory Overload

Imagine being in a busy grocery store.

The lights are bright. People are talking. Shopping carts are squeaking. There's music playing.

That's a LOT of information for our brains to take in.

For some autistic children, repeating a familiar movement or sound may help them cope with all that sensory input.

If your child struggles with busy environments, you might also find my article about why autistic and ADHD kids can become overstimulated helpful.

What Are the 7 Different Types of Stimming?

Stimming isn't just hand flapping or rocking.

There are many different types, and they're often grouped by which senses are involved.

Some children use several types of stimming, while others may have just one or two favourites.

Let's go through seven common types.

1. Visual Stimming (Sight)

Visual stimming involves repeated actions or activities that provide sensory input through the eyes.

This is one that parents might notice when their child becomes fascinated with moving objects, lights, or patterns.

Examples of visual stimming include:

What Does Visual Stimming Look Like?

Imagine your child has a toy car.

Instead of pushing it across the floor, they turn it upside down and watch the wheels spin.

Over and over again.

You might wonder why they're not playing with the car the way you expected.

But for your child, watching those wheels might be the most interesting part!

The spinning motion may be enjoyable, calming, or simply fascinating to look at.

Parent tip: You don't need to stop your child from looking at something just because they're looking at it differently.

You can join their interest, too!

Try sitting beside them and saying:

"Wow, look at those wheels spin!"

You might even discover a new way to connect through something they love.

Helpful Visual Sensory Tools

For children who enjoy watching moving colours or patterns, a sealed liquid motion sensory toy or sensory bottle may be something to explore.

These tools let children watch slow, repeated movement without needing to stare at bright or flashing lights.

Choose an age-appropriate, securely sealed product, especially if your child tends to throw or mouth objects. Not every visual tool will feel calming to every child.

2. Vestibular Stimming (Movement and Balance)

This is where spinning in circles comes in!

The vestibular system is located in the inner ear and helps our brain understand movement, balance, and where our head is in space.

That's a fancy way of saying it helps us know when we're moving, turning, or tipping over.

Some children really enjoy movement that stimulates this system.

Examples include:

Why Does My Autistic Child Spin in Circles?

Have you ever watched your child spin and spin and wondered how they're not dizzy yet?

I think a lot of autism parents can relate!

Some autistic children seek out spinning because they enjoy the feeling of movement.

Others may use it when they're excited or trying to manage their energy.

And some simply find it fun!

But not every child who spins is autistic. Many children enjoy spinning during play.

What's important is looking at the bigger picture of your child's development, communication, and sensory needs.

Should I Stop My Child From Spinning?

Not automatically.

If your child enjoys spinning, you can make space for safe, child-led movement.

But spinning deserves some extra attention because too much can cause dizziness, nausea, or falls.

A few things to keep in mind:

The goal isn't to stop every spinning movement. It's to make sure your child can enjoy movement safely.

3. Proprioceptive Stimming (Body Awareness)

Okay, this word is a mouthful!

Proprioception (pronounced pro-pree-oh-SEP-shun) is our body's sense of where our muscles and joints are.

It helps us know where our arms and legs are without having to look at them.

Some children enjoy repeated movements that give their muscles and joints extra input.

Examples include:

These actions can sometimes overlap with vestibular stimming because movement can involve more than one sensory system.

What Does Proprioceptive Stimming Look Like?

Maybe your child loves jumping on the same spot.

Or they repeatedly push their hands against the wall.

Or they like squeezing themselves between couch cushions.

Some of these actions may be stims. Others may simply be ways of seeking pressure or movement.

Either way, it's worth paying attention to what your child enjoys and how they respond afterward.

What Can Help?

Some children enjoy activities often called heavy work.

Heavy work involves pushing, pulling, carrying, or using big muscles.

You don't need expensive equipment!

You could try:

These are optional activities, not something every child needs.

I actually have a separate blog post about a fun heavy-work activity involving a pretend grocery cart.

You can read it here: Heavy Work for Autistic Kids: Sensory Regulation Activities.

4. Auditory and Vocal Stimming (Sound)

Auditory stimming involves sounds that someone hears or makes.

You might notice your child repeating the same sounds, noises, or songs throughout the day.

Examples include:

Why Does My Child Hum or Repeat Sounds?

Sometimes children simply enjoy the sound or how it feels to make it.

Other times, the sound may help them focus or feel calm.

And sometimes they're expressing excitement!

For example, your child might hum their favourite song while playing with toys.

That doesn't automatically mean they're bored or upset.

They might just be enjoying themselves.

Is Echolalia a Form of Stimming?

Sometimes!

Echolalia is when someone repeats words or phrases they've heard before.

It can be used for communication, sensory enjoyment, or other reasons.

For example, a child might repeat a line from their favourite movie because it feels comforting.

But they might also use that same line to tell you something.

So it's important not to assume that repeated speech is always just a stim.

You can learn more in my Echolalia in Autism: Why Your Child Repeats Words.

5. Tactile Stimming (Touch)

Tactile stimming involves repeated actions that provide sensory input through touch.

Some children love certain textures and will seek them out again and again.

Examples include:

What Does Tactile Stimming Look Like?

Maybe your child has a favourite blanket and loves rubbing the edge between their fingers.

Or they constantly squeeze a soft toy while watching TV.

Or they keep touching a certain texture because they enjoy how it feels.

These can all be examples of tactile stimming.

And here's something worth remembering:

Not all stimming is obvious.

Some children have very subtle stims that other people barely notice.

Helpful Tactile Sensory Tools

For kids who enjoy squeezing, rubbing, or keeping their hands busy, a simple soft stress ball or textured fidget toy might be worth trying.

These can also be helpful options for children with ADHD who like to fidget while listening or working.

You can also start with something you already have at home, like a soft piece of fabric.

Just make sure whatever your child uses is safe for their age and doesn't contain small parts they could swallow.

6. Oral Stimming (Mouth and Taste)

Oral stimming involves repeated movements or actions that use the mouth.

Examples include:

Some children may chew because they enjoy the feeling or pressure.

Others may do it when they're nervous, bored, or trying to focus.

What If My Child Constantly Chews on Their Shirt?

First, try to notice when it's happening.

Is it during homework?

While watching TV?

When they're anxious?

Or pretty much all day?

If chewing seems to provide comfort or sensory input, you may want to ask your child's OT about safe alternatives.

Some children benefit from purpose-made sensory chew tools.

It's important to choose something made for chewing, suited to your child's age and chewing strength, and used with appropriate supervision. Inspect it often and replace it if damaged. Chew necklaces should never be worn during sleep.

If your child is chewing or swallowing unsafe objects, speak with their healthcare provider. This may need more support than a sensory tool alone.

7. Olfactory Stimming (Smell)

Olfactory is just another word for the sense of smell.

Some children repeatedly smell objects because they enjoy certain scents.

Examples include:

Why Does My Child Smell Everything?

For some children, certain smells are comforting or interesting.

A familiar smell may feel predictable.

And for others, smelling objects is simply part of exploring the world.

If your child likes smelling things, you don't necessarily need to discourage it.

Just make sure they're not sniffing unsafe substances, such as cleaning products, chemicals, or anything that could irritate their nose or lungs.

And remember, some autistic children are very sensitive to smells, while others seek them out.

Every child is different.

What Is the Difference Between Stimming in Autism and ADHD?

This is a really good question because stimming can happen in both autism and ADHD.

And sometimes the behaviours look exactly the same!

Here's a simple way to think about it.

Stimming in Autism

For autistic children, stimming may help with:

Some autistic children may stim in very noticeable ways, like hand flapping, rocking, or spinning.

Others may have more subtle stims.

Stimming in ADHD

For children with ADHD, stimming and fidgeting may be linked to:

Common examples might include bouncing a leg, tapping a pencil, pacing, or playing with a fidget toy.

What About Children Who Have Both Autism and ADHD?

Some children have both autism and ADHD, sometimes called AuDHD.

These children may experience a mix of sensory needs, repetitive movements, restlessness, and attention differences.

But there's no strict rule that says one type of stimming belongs to autism and another belongs to ADHD.

A child who flaps their hands doesn't automatically have autism.

And a child who constantly fidgets doesn't automatically have ADHD.

The purpose of the movement matters more than the label we give it.

If you'd like more examples, check out my earlier articles:

Should Parents Stop Their Autistic Child From Stimming?

In most cases, no.

If a stim isn't causing harm or creating a real safety concern, there's usually no reason to stop it.

Think about it.

If your child is happily flapping their hands while watching their favourite show, what would stopping them accomplish?

They might be expressing excitement!

Or if your child rocks back and forth because it helps them feel calm, stopping that movement could make things harder for them.

For years, many autistic children were taught to hide their natural movements because they looked different.

But we now have a better understanding of how important stimming can be for many autistic people.

And autistic adults have shared how being forced to stop stimming can lead to stress and discomfort.

Our goal shouldn't be to make our children look less autistic. It should be to help them feel safe, understood, and supported.

When Can Stimming Become a Safety Concern?

Although many stims are harmless, some can cause injury or become unsafe.

Examples might include:

If this happens, it's important to look at what might be causing the behaviour.

Is your child in pain?

Are they overwhelmed?

Are they trying to communicate a need?

Or are they seeking sensory input in a way that's becoming unsafe?

The best approach is to address the underlying need while helping your child find a safer way to meet it.

A pediatrician, occupational therapist, or another qualified professional can help you figure out what support is appropriate.

If your child is seriously injuring themselves or is in immediate danger, seek urgent medical help.

And if you notice a sudden new movement, unusual staring with loss of awareness, or other unexplained episodes, don't assume it's stimming. Have your child medically assessed.

How Can Parents Support Stimming at Home?

Here are five things you can start doing.

1. Observe Before You React

Instead of immediately telling your child to stop, take a moment to notice what's happening.

Ask yourself:

You might start noticing patterns.

And those patterns can help you better understand your child's needs.

2. Create Safe Spaces for Movement

If your child loves spinning, jumping, or pacing, try to give them enough room to move safely.

For example:

You don't need a fancy sensory room.

Sometimes a little extra floor space is enough!

3. Offer Sensory Tools Based on Their Interests

Some children enjoy fidget toys.

Others like soft blankets, movement breaks, or visual sensory toys.

The best tool is one that matches your child's needs and preferences.

And you don't need to buy everything you see online!

Start with what your child naturally enjoys.

If you're looking for ideas, check out my full list of recommended Autism Sensory Toys & Products that my son uses and loves!

4. Work With Your Child's School

Sometimes children get told to "sit still," "stop making noises," or "keep their hands down."

But for some autistic and ADHD children, movement helps them feel comfortable or stay engaged.

You can explain to their teacher why certain stims may be important.

For example:

"My child sometimes needs to move or fidget while learning. As long as it's safe, I'd really like us to support that instead of asking them to stop. Could we try a quiet fidget or movement breaks during the day?"

Small adjustments can sometimes make a big difference.

5. Let Your Child Be Themselves

This one might be the most important.

If your child flaps their hands when they're excited, let them be excited!

If they love watching spinning objects, you can show interest in what they're watching.

If they need to rock to feel comfortable, they shouldn't have to hide it just because someone else thinks it looks unusual.

Of course, we still teach safety and respect for other people's space.

But we can do that without making our kids feel ashamed of how their bodies work.

If you're looking for more practical ideas, explore more autism articles on the blog or visit my YouTube channel.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stimming

Is spinning in circles a sign of autism?

Spinning in circles can be one sign of autism, but spinning alone doesn't mean a child is autistic.

Many children enjoy spinning.

If spinning happens along with other differences in communication, social interaction, sensory responses, or development, you may want to discuss those observations with your child's healthcare provider.

Why does my autistic child flap their hands?

Hand flapping may help your child express excitement, manage emotions, or enjoy movement and sensory input.

Some children flap when they're happy. Others do it when they're overwhelmed.

Pay attention to the situation instead of assuming it always means the same thing.

Is visual stimming common in autism?

Yes. Some autistic children enjoy watching repeated movements, patterns, colours, or spinning objects.

Visual stimming is one of several ways a child may seek sensory input.

Can children with ADHD stim too?

Absolutely!

Children and adults with ADHD may fidget, tap, hum, pace, chew, or make other repeated movements.

These actions may help with focus, restlessness, or managing feelings.

Is stimming the same as sensory seeking?

Not exactly.

Sensory seeking means looking for certain kinds of sensory input, like movement, touch, or sound.

Stimming means repeating movements, sounds, or actions.

They can overlap, but they're not always the same thing.

Does stimming always mean my child is overwhelmed?

No!

Some children stim when they're happy, excited, relaxed, or simply enjoying a sensation.

Stimming isn't always a warning sign that something is wrong.

Will my child grow out of stimming?

Some children's stims change as they get older.

Others continue stimming into adulthood.

And that's not automatically a problem.

The goal isn't to make stimming disappear. It's to support safe, comfortable ways for your child to manage their needs.

A Final Thought From One Autism Parent to Another

If your child spins in circles, flaps their hands, rocks back and forth, or makes repeated sounds, I hope this helps you understand those behaviours a little better.

Because sometimes, what looks unusual to us makes perfect sense to our kids.

Maybe they're excited.

Maybe they're overwhelmed.

Maybe they're trying to focus.

Or maybe they just really enjoy the way something looks, sounds, or feels.

And that's okay.

As parents, we don't always have to understand every movement right away.

Sometimes the most helpful thing we can do is pay attention, stay curious, and give our children room to be themselves.

Our job isn't to stop every stim. It's to understand our children, keep them safe, and support the ways they experience the world.

And if your child happens to flap their hands because they're happy?

Let them flap. 💗

I really hope some of these resources are able to help your family! If you found this article helpful, I would really appreciate if you would take a minute to subscribe to my YouTube Channel, where I share autism parenting tips & strategies learned from our therapy team and through real-life experience raising an amazing autistic child.

Looking for More Autism Parenting Tips and Resources?

If you're new to autism parenting and feeling overwhelmed by all the information out there, I have a free printable guide that may help.

Autism Diagnosis: A Parent's Next Steps Checklist

It's designed to help you organize questions, understand possible next steps, and find support for your family.

You can also explore more of my free parent resources at Autism Mom's Freebies Library or Start Here.

Read Next

Here are a few more articles you might find helpful:

Medical Note: This article is for general parent education and isn't a substitute for advice from your child's healthcare provider or occupational therapist. Every child's sensory needs are different.

Sources

This article is informed by professional guidance and research about autism, ADHD, sensory differences, and stimming.