STiming-Small or usually is a form of self-satisfying seen in autistic people for “self-reliant behavior”. It can include repetitive movements, sounds, or functions and is generally considered as part of “rigid and repetitive behavior” in medical literature.
This type of framing stimulates a negative light, leading health professionals, teachers and even parents to try to stop it.
But stimming is an important self-protective strategy for autistic people, and pressing it can have serious consequences.
While stimming is not unique to autism, autistic people stimulate more often and sometimes in more noticeable methods.
It often includes physical movements such as hand-flapping, rocking, spinning or tiptoing. Many autistic people also use different objects by repetitive methods, such as lining them in pattern or keeping their hands busy with everyday objects or stim toys.
But beyond the steaming movement – any senses can be included in it. Some people stimulate through sound, repeat words or phrases because they are satisfactory to say or listen. Others engage in “scripting”, such as a set pattern to see the preferred movies for the comfort of conversation or forecast. Chewing on oral stims, such as pens, clothes or “chuvelry”, is also common.
When considered in this broad sense, many people – autistic or not – at least one type in one form. Nevertheless, autistic children are often encouraged to stop their people, suggested rather than putting their hands in their pocket with an option. These options do not offer the same sensory input, however, and can make self-regulations more difficult.
Many autistic adults have lost their natural stims over time. It is either through conscious repression or because they were air -conditioned to stay in childhood.
Some still stimulate others with fear of negative reactions, despite that it is beneficial for their good. There is also evidence that some autistic people are discouraged by stimulating them in the workplace.
The exact mechanism behind the stimming is not yet fully understood. But it is widely accepted that it provides a soothing sensory input, which helps autistic people to withstand a heavy environment.
Pressing stimulation is uncomfortable and is an aspect of “masking”, which is a conscious or unconscious function of not having natural autistic symptoms to avoid negative social consequences.
Masking is particularly common among autistic women and is associated with enlarged anxiety, burnout and even suicide. It can also affect education, work, relationships and overall quality of life.
This is important for society – especially parents, teachers and employers – to accept more excitement. Research suggests that more understanding is more acceptable.
Only examples where intervention can be necessary when stimming is self-envious or pose a risk for others, in which case a safe alternative stimulation should be encouraged. Otherwise, the best response is simple – let people stimulate independently. And if you are autistic, research shows that you can use it for bondage with other autistic people.
Therefore, if you see an autistic child or adult stimulant, there is no need to comment or intervene. My mother used to say that “if you cannot say anything good, do not say anything” – This principle applies here too.
Aimee Grant is a senior lecturer in Public Health and Welcome Trust Career Development Fellow at Swanasi University
The article was originally published by the conversation and was reinstated under a creative Commons license. read the Original article
