3 Ways on How You Can Reduce Stimming Behaviours

Stimming, or self-soothing behaviours, seems to help some children with autism to manage emotions and cope with overwhelming situations. However, stimming can also affect children in negative ways such as hitting, kicking, or biting that can quickly translate into injury.😭💢

There are ways on how you can reduce their need to stim. You can start with these 3 simple tips!

📌Change the child’s environment
If a child finds the environment too stimulating, he/she might need a quiet place to go, or just one activity or toy to focus on at a time.
📌Don’t try to stop stimming altogether
Aim to reduce the frequency and duration of stimming.
📌Redirect the stimming
Each time you see your child stimming, redirect his attention to something else so that he doesn’t get into the habit of doing so.

If your child is struggling with stimming, asking for a professional’s help is wise. ABA Therapy is also one way that can help the child cope effectively. ABA professionals will analyze your child’s behaviour to determine when the stimming starts. Then, they suggest modifications that can help remove stimming triggers. They may also offer stim alternatives that won’t stand out or harm your child or others.

If you wish to learn more about ABA therapy, get in touch with us to see how we can help you!