Stimming

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From http://web1.greatbasin.net/~sprang/stimming.htm :

Stereotypic (Self-Stimulatory) Behavior [stimming]

Written by M. Edelson, Ph.D.

Center for the Study of Autism, Salem, Oregon

Stereotypy or self-stimulatory behavior refers to repetitive body

movements or repetitive movement of objects. This behavior is common

in many individuals with developmental disabilities; however, it

appears to be more common in autism. In fact, if a person with

another developmental disability exhibits a form of self-stimulatory

behavior, often the person is also labelled as having autistic

characteristics. Stereotypy can involve any one or all senses. We

have listed the five major senses and some examples of stereotypy.

Visual

Staring at lights, repetitive blinking, moving fingers in front of

the eyes, hand-flapping

Auditory

Tapping ears, snapping fingers, making vocal sounds

Tactile

Rubbing the skin with one's hands or with another object, scratching

Vestibular

Rocking front to back, rocking side-to-side

Taste

Placing body parts or objects in one's mouth, licking objects

Smell

Smelling objects, sniffing people

Researchers have suggested various reasons for why a person may

engage in stereotypic behaviors. One set of theories suggests that

these behaviors provide the person with sensory stimulation (i.e.,

the person's sense is hyposensitive). Due to some dysfunctional

system in the brain or periphery, the body craves stimulation; and

thus, the person engages in these behaviors to excite or arouse the

nervous system. One specific theory states that these behaviors

release beta-endorphins in the body (endogeneous opiate-like

substances) and provides the person with some form of internal

pleasure.

Another set of theories states that these behaviors are exhibited to

calm a person (i.e., the person's sense is hypersensitive). That is,

the environment is too stimulating and the person is in a state of

sensory-overload. As a result, the individual engages in these

behaviors to block-out the over-stimulating environment; and his/her

attention becomes focused inwardly.

Researchers have also shown that stereotypic behaviors interfere

with attention and learning. Interestingly, these behaviors are

often effective positive reinforcers if a person is allowed to

engage in these behaviors after completing a task.

There are numerous ways to reduce or eliminate stereotypic

behaviors, such as exercise as well as providing an individual with

alternative, more socially-appropriate, forms of stimulation (e.g.,

chewing on a rubber tube rather than biting one's arm). Drugs are

also used to reduce these behaviors; however, it is not clear

whether the drugs actually reduce the behaviors directly (e.g.,

providing internal arousal) or indirectly (e.g., slowing down one's

overall motor movement).