Stimming involves repetitive movements or sounds that may help you cope with sensory challenges. Similar stimming behaviors are common in ADHD and autism, but the reasons behind them may differ in each condition.

Stimming is a self-stimulating behavior that’s common in people who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It often involves repetitive body movements that help people self-soothe or cope with sensory challenges.

Examples of stimming behaviors in ADHD and ASD can include hand flapping and making repetitive sounds.

Stimming can help those with ADHD or ASD manage overwhelming situations. However, while stimming is common in both ADHD and autism, it may serve different purposes in each condition.

Autistic people and people with ADHD may use stimming to self-soothe and ease emotional or sensory challenges. Those with either condition may engage in some of the same stimming behaviors, such as:

  • body spinning
  • rocking
  • hand flapping
  • repeating sounds or words
  • finger tapping

However, there are some important differences in stimming behaviors between the two conditions.

Stimming in ADHD

For people with ADHD, stimming can sometimes help with concentration. It is often motivated by the need for sensory stimulation or a way to manage impulsivity. Stimming behavior can be a way to self-regulate and cope with ADHD symptoms.

Common stimming behaviors in ADHD include:

  • touching objects
  • fidgeting
  • engaging in excessive or impulsive movements (running, jumping)
  • making repetitive sounds or phrases

Stimming in ASD

Autistic stimming is more likely to involve vocalizations and repetitive body movements. Stimming in autism can be a way to cope with overwhelming sensory input and stimulate certain senses. The characteristics of stimming in ASD vary widely from person to person but can include:

  • repetitive actions that are more prolonged
  • repetitive words or phrases
  • sensory stimming to self-soothe sensory experiences, often focused on specific objects or textures

Additionally, stimming in ASD can sometimes be:

  • self-focused, without awareness of the outside world, creating an individual sensory “bubble”
  • involuntary and unintentional

It’s not unusual for autistic people to have ADHD. In fact, some research suggests that up to 70% of people with ASD also have ADHD.

When ASD and ADHD occur together, people often experience a combination of symptoms that makes it difficult to tell the conditions apart. These overlapping symptoms are often more intense and include social challenges, repetitive movements and behaviors, and learning differences.

Children with both ASD and ADHD also seem to be at an increased risk for mood disorders and anxiety. While more research is needed in this area, it’s important for healthcare professionals to be aware of both conditions in order to offer appropriate recommendations.

Can ADHD be mistaken for ASD?

ADHD and ASD often have similar symptoms. Both conditions can involve fidgeting, inattention, stimming, and social difficulties. As a result, it is not uncommon for ADHD to be mistaken for ASD.

ADHD and autism are also common comorbidities, which means you can have both at the same time. However, they are separate conditions.

You can learn more key differences between ASD and ADHD in this article.

Stimming can be a helpful coping mechanism in ADHD or ASD. But if stimming is disruptive or has the potential to lead to physical injuries, certain strategies may help redirect the behavior. These strategies could help harness stimming so that it might improve focus and create healthier habits.

Useful stim strategies for those with either ASD or ADHD include:

  • using tools to target specific fidget habits, such as fidget cubes or tangles
  • using doodling, crocheting, or other hands-on hobbies to make listening easier
  • using textured clothing for finger stimming
  • participating in behavioral therapy to help redirect certain stimming behaviors
  • reducing sensory overload to remove environmental stressors
  • wearing noise-reducing headphones to block distracting sounds
  • practicing self-regulation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation

If you have ADHD or ASD and need to stim in school or your workplace, it may be helpful to discuss your needs with a teacher or supervisor.

And if you currently stim in a way that is disruptive or harmful to you, you might consider working with a therapist who can help you create new coping mechanisms. Either talk therapy or occupational therapy might be a helpful approach.

Stimming is a self-stimulating type of behavior that’s common in ADHD and autism. It involves repetitive body movements or sounds that may help you cope with highly stimulating situations. Stimming behaviors in ADHD and autism share some characteristics, but there are also important differences.

People with ADHD often stim because it helps with focus and concentration, while autistic people may stim as a way to cope with overwhelming situations.

Stimming can be a helpful tool in ADHD or autism, but it may sometimes be disruptive or cause self-injury. Strategies such as using certain devices, reducing sensory overload, and participating in behavioral therapy may help you focus or reduce your stimming in some cases.