Understanding Stimming: Building Bridges, Not Barriers
In disability ministry, we often encounter behaviors that may seem unusual to the neurotypical eye. One such behavior is stimming, short for self-stimulatory behavior, which involves repetitive physical movements or vocalizations. This natural behavior is commonly observed in individuals with autism or ADHD and serves as a crucial self-regulation mechanism. As someone dedicated to creating accessible spiritual environments for all people, I've found that our approach to stimming can either build bridges of connection or unwittingly create barriers to inclusion.
Stimming manifests in various forms - hand flapping, rocking, humming, or repeating words or phrases. These aren't random behaviors but purposeful actions that help individuals cope with sensory overload, regulate emotions, or express feelings like excitement. Too often, our instinct is to suppress or redirect these behaviors simply because they fall outside social norms or might draw attention in group settings like church services. However, this approach fails to recognize the essential role stimming plays in helping individuals navigate their environment successfully.
Recently, I witnessed something that challenged my thinking about stimming. A mother with extensive experience raising children with autism was serving as a buddy to a young boy with autism in our church. When the child began his stimming behavior - jumping up, twisting around, and sitting back down repeatedly during the service - she began mirroring his actions. Initially, this raised questions for me: Was this appropriate? Was it mocking or genuinely supportive? This moment sent me on a journey of research and reflection about stimming and how we respond to it in community spaces.
Through my research, I discovered contrasting perspectives. In therapeutic settings, particularly with younger children, mimicking stimming can sometimes serve as a bridge to connection, helping the individual feel understood and less isolated. However, many autistic adults report feeling mocked or patronized when others mimic their stimming behaviors. This highlights an important truth: there's no one-size-fits-all approach. The effectiveness and appropriateness of mimicking stimming behaviors depends on the individual, their age, the environment, and the relationship between the people involved.
Creating truly inclusive environments requires us to approach stimming with understanding and respect rather than judgment. Instead of automatically seeking to extinguish these behaviors, we should observe to understand their purpose. Is the person regulating emotions? Responding to a specific trigger? Attempting to communicate? By recognizing stimming as a valid coping strategy, we shift our focus from trying to change the person to adapting our environment and responses to support them effectively.
When stimming behaviors raise practical concerns in group settings, offering alternative, safe stimming options can be helpful. Rocking chairs, trampolines, fidget tools, or designated "stim corners" provide opportunities for self-regulation while maintaining safety. When transitions from stimming are necessary, advance warnings, clear communication, predictable routines, and calm environments can ease the process. Throughout this, positive reinforcement acknowledges the individual's efforts at self-regulation - a challenging task for anyone, particularly those with executive functioning difficulties.
The heart of this conversation goes beyond specific techniques to a deeper question about inclusion. When we feel uncomfortable with stimming behaviors, we must ask: Is our discomfort based on legitimate safety concerns, or simply on our preference for conformity? Creating accessible spaces for the gospel means embracing neurodiversity and recognizing that different doesn't mean deficient. True inclusion celebrates the varied ways people experience and interact with the world.
Our mission is to ensure every person has the opportunity to know Christ, grow in Him, and serve Him with their unique gifts, regardless of ability. While I don't claim to have all the answers, continuing these conversations is essential for building churches where the 25% of Americans with disabilities - many of whom remain outside our walls - can find genuine belonging. By approaching stimming and other neurodivergent behaviors with understanding rather than judgment, we take meaningful steps toward making the gospel truly accessible to all.
