04/07/2026
Something I don’t think many people (who have little to no connection to autism) understand is stimming. Just like autism is a spectrum, stimming is a spectrum and can show up in a lot of ways. It’s not random. It usually serves a purpose. It can either be a form of emotional regulation, sensory regulation, an expression of feelings, or simple about focus and concentration. Stimming also isn’t just something that people with autism do. It isn’t “bad behavior,” it’s just a coping mechanism. For kids with autism, it can help them feel safe and in control, it can help prevent meltdowns, and it can support communication when words are hard to get out. My daughter was diagnoses with autism almost 4 years ago now. After raising my autistic daughter I’ve began to truly understand stimming. For a while, I thought it was something I had to help her “grow out of.” I realize that’s not the case anymore. Sometimes things like her earmuffs simple help her regulate her thoughts and emotions in this big noisy world.