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 )