Furthermore, it is also associated with other conditions like sensory processing disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is important to note that, while restricted and repetitive behaviors (including stimming) may be an early sign of autism, stimming is also found in neurotypical children. Finger flicking may give the child something to concentrate on when they find the environment overwhelming, the rhythm of the repeated behavior may feel soothing, or they may use the behavior to address (or rebalance) an impaired sensory processing system. Stimming is often a sensory seeking behavior.Īn autistic child, covering their ears and rocking, may be displaying an atypical response to auditory stimuli-it may be the only way for them to cope with stimuli that their sensory system is not processing appropriately. DSM–5 American Psychiatric Association, 2013) introduced atypical responses to sensory stimuli as a new criterion for an autism diagnosis. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed. While there may be disagreement about the exact definition of stimming, most experts agree that it may be a manifestation of restricted or repetitive behaviors-a core autism characteristic. Stereotypies and restricted repetitive behavior-a sign of autism spectrum disorders? This and other stimming behaviors may, in some cases, be a sign of a neurodevelopmental condition like autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-it is often one of the early indicators leading parents to seek a diagnosis. The repetitive motion of finger flicking close to the face lets the child know where their body is in relation to space and other objects. According to the author, children on the spectrum may need additional sensory input to compensate for poor visuo-spatial skills. Finger flicking may be soothing, or stimulatory to autistic children, but looking at Coulter’s research, it could also address a vital need. The author of the study, Rachel A Coulter, explains that the reason for the behavior may be compensation for poor spatio-visual skills. This link provides an illustrative photograph (Figure 2, page 172) of such behavior for parents who may need more clarity (Coulter, 2009). Another type of stim that may be referred to as finger flicking is described as a quick, repetitive movement of fingers flicking close to the child’s face. Other parents see finger flicking as a repeated movement involving fingers using an almost “snapping” motion. Some parents speak of a motion of opening and closing fingers they emphasize the involvement of the thumb and index finger in particular. What is finger flicking?įinger flicking is not a medical term and it has no precise definition. Finger flicking and hand-flapping are frequently mentioned by parents as their kids’ preferred stims. In this article, we will take a look at the common stim of finger flicking as well as offering an overview of stimming in autism Finger flicking in autismįinger flicking is a type of stimming of autistic kids and adults which involves the hands. Autism stimming may differ in quantity, intensity, and type. Everyone stims even though most people refer to such behavior as fidgeting. For many autistic individuals, stimming (specifically repetitive behaviors with a reliable and soothing rhythm) may be needed to cope with uncertainty and feelings of overwhelm (Joyce et al., 2017).Īs you’re reading, are you twirling your hair, or jiggling your foot? Perhaps you’re drumming your fingers, tapping a pen, or cracking your joints. This may not be an option for autistic people whose social-communication skills and emotional regulation may be impaired. When the environment, or even specific sensory stimuli, becomes too much we often rely on our social or emotional skills to obtain relief. Have you ever felt a rising sense of panic in an unfamiliar, overwhelming place? A foreign airport perhaps? In such circumstances most of us would do almost anything for red, magic shoes to get us home. Whatever the definition, stims like finger flicking are not odd habits-rather, they may be one of the most powerful coping mechanisms for individuals on the spectrum. Stimming refers to (repeated) self-stimulating behaviors some feel the definition should also include a reference to “self-soothing” to be more appropriate.
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