stimming

American  

[stim-ing] / ˈstɪm ɪŋ /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of stimming

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

stimming

And while she firmly believes people should not be ashamed of openly stimming, it can still make her feel self-conscious when people notice, only increasing her discomfort.

From BBC ● Jun. 27, 2025

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

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 14, 2022

He’ll eat while stimming, except for when he takes a dance break.

From The Verge ● Jul. 12, 2022

As one example, she talked about what has happened when she starts "stimming," or a ritual that some autistic individuals practice in which they repeat certain sounds, movements or behaviors.

From Salon ● Feb. 15, 2021

Some expressed relief that they did not have to edit their geeky conversations, make eye contact or hold back on stimming.

From Washington Post ● Jul. 20, 2015