Stim

Stim, short for “self-stimulation”, a term for behaviors whose sole purpose appears to be to stimulate one’s own senses. An example is rocking one’s body. Many people with autism report that some ‘self stims’ may serve a regulatory function for them (ie. calming, adding concentration, shutting out an overwhelming sound). Other examples: hand-flapping, toe-walking, spinning, echolalia.

Stimming is a repetitive body movement that is hypothesized to stimulate one or more senses. Repetitive movement, or stereotypy, is often referred to as stimming under the hypothesis that it has a function related to sensory input.