‘Stereotyped or repetitive motor movements’ are characterised as core features in the diagnosis of autism, yet many
autistic adults (and the neurodiversity movement) have reclaimed them as ‘stimming’. Supported by a growing body of
scientific research, autistic adults argue that these behaviours may serve as useful coping mechanisms, ...
‘Stereotyped or repetitive motor movements’ are characterised as core features in the diagnosis of autism, yet many
autistic adults (and the neurodiversity movement) have reclaimed them as ‘stimming’. Supported by a growing body of
scientific research, autistic adults argue that these behaviours may serve as useful coping mechanisms, yet little research
has examined stimming from the perspective of autistic adults. Through interviews and focus groups, we asked 32
autistic adults to share their perceptions and experiences of stimming, including the reasons they stim, any value doing
so may hold for them and their perceptions of others’ reactions to stimming. Using thematic analysis, we identified
two themes: stimming as (1) a self-regulatory mechanism and (2) lacking in social acceptance, but can become accepted
through understanding. Autistic adults highlighted the importance of stimming as an adaptive mechanism that helps
them to soothe or communicate intense emotions or thoughts and thus objected to treatment that aims to eliminate
the behaviour.
