Stimming (self-stimulatory behavior) is common among individuals with autism, but when these behaviors are harmful—such as head banging, skin picking, or excessive hand flapping—it’s important to address them. Here are some ways to help reduce or redirect harmful stimming behaviors in a safe, supportive, and effective way.
Identify the Function of the Behavior
The first step in reducing harmful stimming is understanding why it’s happening. Stimming can occur for various reasons, including sensory needs, seeking attention, escaping a situation, or even out of habit. To get to the root cause, observe the behavior and note when and where it occurs.
Consider using an ABC chart—record the Antecedent (what happened before), the Behavior (the stimming itself), and the Consequence (what happens after the behavior). This will help you identify patterns and tailor your approach accordingly. Knowing the function behind the behavior will guide you in offering an appropriate alternative.
Provide a Safer Replacement Behavior
Once you know the function of the stimming behavior, the next step is to provide a safer replacement. For example, if your child is chewing on their shirt to satisfy a sensory need, offer a chewable necklace or a chewy toy instead.
The key is to make sure the new behavior is accessible and appealing. This gives the child a way to meet the same need without causing harm. Consistently reinforce the new behavior when it’s used correctly, so it becomes the preferred choice.
Use Differential Reinforcement
Differential reinforcement techniques help encourage appropriate behaviors while reducing harmful stimming. There are three main strategies:
- DRA (Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior): Reinforce a more appropriate behavior that serves the same function as the harmful stimming. For example, if your child flaps their hands when excited, teach them to clap instead and reinforce the clapping.
- DRI (Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior): Reinforce a behavior that cannot happen at the same time as the harmful one. For instance, if the child is hitting their head, teach them to hold a soft object (like a pillow) and reinforce the act of holding it.
- DRO (Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior): Reinforce when the harmful behavior is not happening. For example, if the child goes a certain amount of time without engaging in harmful stimming, reward them for maintaining that positive behavior.
These strategies can help guide the child toward safer alternatives while reducing harmful behavior.
Modify the Environment
Sometimes, harmful stimming is triggered by environmental factors like overstimulation or frustration. By making small adjustments to the child’s environment, you can reduce these triggers and promote calmer behaviors.
Here’s what you can do:
- Reduce loud noises or bright lights that may be overwhelming to the child
- Create a designated calm-down space with sensory-friendly tools like fidget toys, weighted blankets, or soft lighting
- Organize the environment to reduce clutter and make the space feel more calm and manageable
- Use noise-canceling headphones or earplugs to minimize sensory overload in noisy environments
- Control the sensory input by offering textured objects or soothing visuals like a lava lamp or soft-colored lights
Provide Regular Sensory Input
Proactively providing sensory input throughout the day can help reduce the need for harmful stimming. Sensory breaks are a great way to allow the child to regulate themselves before they become overwhelmed.
Consider incorporating activities like:
- Fidget toys or stress balls
- Swinging or jumping on a trampoline to release excess energy
- Deep pressure activities, like using a weighted blanket or squeezing a soft toy
Incorporating these activities regularly can help prevent the need for harmful stimming as a way to meet sensory needs.
Teach Self-Regulation Skills
Helping the child develop self-regulation skills is another key to reducing harmful stimming. By teaching them ways to self-soothe or ask for breaks when needed, they can learn to manage their emotions and sensory needs in a healthier way.
Some useful self-regulation strategies include:
- Deep breathing or counting to ten when feeling anxious or overstimulated
- Using a feelings chart to identify and communicate emotions
- Asking for a break when things become too overwhelming (this could be a visual “break card”)
Practice these coping strategies during calm moments, so the child can use them when needed in more stressful situations.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool in encouraging appropriate behaviors. By catching your child engaging in safe behaviors, even if it’s just for a few seconds, and rewarding them, you can reinforce positive habits. Celebrating these small wins motivates the child to continue using safe behaviors and reinforces their progress.
Be Consistent Across Settings
Consistency is key to helping the child learn and maintain new behaviors. Whether at home, school, or therapy, try to ensure that everyone involved in the child’s life is on the same page.
Share your strategies with teachers, ABA therapists, and other caregivers, and ensure that everyone is using the same approaches. This will create a more predictable environment and speed up progress.
Track Progress and Adjust as Needed
It’s important to track your child’s progress regularly. Keeping a log of their behavior and noting what strategies are effective will help you make informed decisions and adjust your approach if needed.
If you find that harmful stimming persists or gets worse, it may be time to modify your strategies. Remember, progress may take time, and it’s okay to adjust your approach to better meet the child’s needs.
Know When to Seek Help
If the harmful stimming continues despite your efforts, or if it escalates, it may be time to seek help from a professional, such as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). A BCBA can conduct a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) to identify the root cause of the behavior and create a customized intervention plan tailored to your child.
Conclusion
By using these strategies consistently and with patience, you can help reduce harmful stimming and support your child in developing healthier, more effective coping mechanisms. Every child is unique, so don’t hesitate to adjust these tips based on what works best for your family.
If you’re concerned about harmful stimming, Childwise ABA offer ABA therapy in Ohio, including states like Colorado and Michigan to address these behaviors and create customized strategies for your child’s needs. Our team is here to help support you in reducing harmful stimming and promoting positive behavior.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist in developing a tailored plan for your child’s growth and well-being.