As a parent of a child with autism, you’ve likely found yourself wondering about those repetitive movements – the hand flapping, rocking, or specific sounds your child makes. Perhaps you’ve received well-meaning but misguided advice to suppress these behaviors or been told “they’ll grow out of it.” 

Today, let’s explore the real root cause and deeper neurological story behind stimming that most healthcare providers miss, and how understanding it could transform your approach to supporting your child. Realizing how stimming connects to nervous system dysfunction reveals a powerful truth: addressing your child’s underlying sensory tension can help them and your whole family find relief.

The Hidden Purpose of Stimming

Let me share a story about a young girl who came to our clinic with repetitive nodding movements. Her mom noticed these movements would intensify when she felt stressed or anxious. Described how they seemed to help with the “butterflies in her stomach.” After unsuccessful medical interventions and facing the prospect of medication, her mother’s intuition told her there had to be another explanation.

Through advanced neurological scanning, called INSiGHT Scans, we discovered what many had missed – her nervous system was stuck in a state of stress and dysfunction, creating these movements as a vital self-regulation tool.

This discovery reflects a broader truth: stimming isn’t just a quirky behavior to eliminate – it’s your child’s nervous system attempting to find balance. Research shows that 80% of adults with autism report that stimming helps reduce their anxiety and provides essential calming effects. These movements serve as a coping mechanism for an overwhelmed nervous system stuck in nonstop sympathetic “fight or flight” mode.

The Science Behind the Movement

To truly understand stimming, we need to look at three key neurological factors:

1. Autonomic Nervous System Imbalance: At the core of stimming lies a condition called dysautonomia. Where the sympathetic “fight or flight” system becomes overactive, while the parasympathetic “rest and digest” system is underactive. This imbalance leaves children stuck in a state of constant stress and sensory overload.

2. Subluxation and Proprioception: A crucial piece of the puzzle involves something called subluxation. A combination of joint dysfunction and decreased proprioception (your body’s awareness of movement and position in space). When this system isn’t working optimally, it reduces the calming, regulating input your child’s brain needs. Stimming becomes their way of compensating for this deficit.

3. Sensory Processing Connection: Subluxation, particularly in the upper cervical spine, can interfere with how the brain processes sensory information. This leads to sensory overload, prompting stimming as a self-soothing response. It’s your child’s creative solution to an overwhelming sensory world.

The Role of the Vagus Nerve

The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in this story. This important nerve helps activate the body’s “rest, regulate, and digest” functions. When it’s not functioning well due to nervous system stress, children can get stuck in fight-or-flight mode, leading to increased anxiety and repetitive behaviors.

A Natural Path Forward

While traditional approaches often focus on suppressing stimming, modern neuroscience shows us a better way. Through neurologically-focused care, we can:

1. Regulate the Sensory Processing System: By addressing nervous system interference and restoring balance, we can help your child’s brain process sensory input more efficiently, naturally reducing the need for constant stimming.

2. Support Emotional Regulation: When the nervous system is overwhelmed, children may struggle to manage emotions. Leading to increased stimming during moments of anxiety, frustration, or excitement. By addressing root causes, we can improve your child’s ability to self-regulate emotionally.

3. Activate Natural Calming Responses: By supporting proper vagus nerve function, we can help activate your child’s natural calming responses. Reducing the constant state of fight-or-flight that often drives stimming behaviors.

While neurologically-focused chiropractic care isn’t aimed at eliminating stimming altogether, addressing the underlying nervous system stress can help reduce its frequency and intensity. Families often report that as their child’s nervous system becomes more regulated, they see improvements in:

• Sensory processing
• Emotional balance
• Overall quality of life
• Ability to engage in daily activities
• Communication and interaction

Moving Forward

Understanding stimming as a window into your child’s nervous system function can transform your approach to supporting their development. Rather than viewing it as a problem to fix, see it as valuable information – your child’s way of telling you their nervous system needs support.  And we want to help!

Remember, every child’s journey is unique, but understanding these underlying neurological factors helps you become better equipped to make informed choices about supporting your child’s development and well-being. Your child’s stimming isn’t random – it’s purposeful. By addressing the root causes, we can help your child find better balance and thrive in their own unique way.