How Can Occupational Therapy Help Reduce Stimming Behavior?
Occupational Therapy (OT) focuses on empowering individuals to develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for daily living, work, and leisure activities. Occupational therapists are trained professionals who assess individual needs, develop customised interventions, and help individuals improve ability to perform daily tasks. Collaborating with professionals can be helpful in managing stimming.
What is Stimming?
Stimming are self-soothing behaviors that an individual repeatedly engages in as they find it enjoyable or comforting. There are many different kinds of stimming, such as visual, verbal, tactile and proprioceptive (Goh, 2023). The onset of stimming often begins at the age of 3, and when the child is engrossed in an activity or having fluctuation of emotions (excited, bored, anxious or stressed). Some examples include hand flapping, pacing up and down, rocking their body, turning on and off light switches, repeating words or phrases, etc (Deweerdt, 2020).
Stimming is neither good nor bad. However, the impact of it is largely dependent on the type, occurrence and intensity of the behavior. Some forms of stimming can be harmful or disruptive such as scratching, hitting or headbanging. These behaviours are harmful and interfere with daily activities. Therefore, interventions such as alternative replacement behaviours are required (Goh, 2023).
What can be done?
There are numerous ways to redirect stimming by providing sensory input based on the child’s needs. It is important to look at the antecedent (what led to the stimming). Implementing strategies in a practical and safe way to help the child cope better with information processing (Brown, 2022).
The role of OT in stimming
An occupational therapist can help to identify the reason why stimming occurs, and find alternative and appropriate sensory inputs to redirect a child’s behavior based on their needs. For example, a weighted vest can be worn to apply deep pressure and help the child be more calm and regulated during classroom activities (Barloso, 2025). The child can then learn to develop healthier coping mechanisms and reduce the need for stims. Occupational therapists work closely with the child and their families, and use different techniques specially catered to the child (Yellow Bus, 2025). They make changes to the environment, use toys or technologies to aid in managing stimming behaviors and self-regulation (Zauderer, 2025).
Sensory integration technique is a key aspect of occupational therapy for those with proprioceptive difficulties. Proprioception, also known as kinesthesia, is a crucial sensory system that plays a significant role in self-regulation, coordination, posture, body awareness, focus and speech. Proprioceptive input is vital in producing a calming effect, reducing anxiety, improving mental alertness and sensory stimulation to facilitate attention and learning.
Sensory integration technique aims to improve sensory processing and integration which allows better understanding and response to sensory information. These techniques include exercises, structured play or the use of specialized equipment (weighted vest, yoga ball etc). The goal is to promote better sensory regulation and body awareness (Treetop therapy, 2025).
Individuals with autism tend to face challenges with proprioception, with either oversensitivity or under-responsiveness. Oversensitivity leads to anxiety, agitation or discomfort. Under-responsiveness leads to poor coordination, low tone and can affect motor skills. By addressing these dysfunctions, it enhances self-regulation, coordination and overall well-being (Treetop therapy, 2025).
Conclusion
By engaging occupational therapists, these individuals can acquire alternative solutions to handle their sensory challenges and thus, reduce the need for stimming behaviors. It is important to be mindful that each individual is unique so treatment approaches have to be tailored to their needs and preferences. The expertise and guidance of professionals is ultimately vital in managing these difficulties and promoting overall well-being.
Written by: Keisha
References
Barloso, K. (2025). Weighted vest for Autism: Benefits, Types and More. Autism Parenting Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/weighted-vest-benefits-for-autism/
Brown, B. (2022). What you need to know about stimming. Kids Creek therapy. Retrieved from https://www.kidscreektherapy.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-stimming/
Canva. (n.d.). Semi-realistic woman with autism flicking fingers [Icon]. https://www.canva.com/icons/MAFsPZP2KEU/
Deweerdt, S. (2020). Understanding stimming: Repetitive behaviors with a purpose. American Psychiatric Association. Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/understand-stimming-repetitive-behaviors-purpose#:~:text=Stimming%20actions%20are%20thought%20to,or%20to%20relieve%20physical%20discomfort.
Goh, S. (2023). Autism and self-stimulatory (stimming) behavior. Cortica. Retrieved from https://www.corticacare.com/care-notes/what-is-stimming
Treetop therapy. (2025). Enhancing Autism with Proprioception. Retrieved from https://www.thetreetop.com/aba-therapy/proprioception-and-autism
Yellow Bus. (2025). Stimming in Autism: How to manage it. Yellow Bus ABA therapy in New York. Retrieved from https://www.yellowbusaba.com/post/stimming-in-autism#:~:text=These%20can%20include%20sensory%20integration,the%20need%20for%20stimming%20behaviors
Zauderer, S. (2025). Visual stimming treatment approaches. Cross River therapy. Retrieved from https://www.crossrivertherapy.com/autism/visual-stimming-treatment
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