Parents with autism, you have likely found yourself wondering about those repetitive movements – the rocking, hand flapping, arm movements 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. 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 tell you about Amelia, a sweet little girl who came into our clinic with repetitive nodding movements. Her mom noticed they would intensify whenever Amelia felt anxious or overwhelmed, almost like they were her way of settling the “butterflies in her stomach.” After trying various medical interventions with little success—and facing the possibility of medication—her mother’s intuition told her there had to be another answer.
Using advanced neurological scans, called INSiGHT Scans, we uncovered something that had been overlooked: Amelia’s nervous system was stuck in a constant state of stress. These movements weren’t random or meaningless—they were actually her body’s way of trying to self-regulate and find balance.
The Science Behind the Movement
To truly understand stimming, we need to look at three key neurological factors:
- Nervous System Imbalance: At the root of stimming is a condition called dysautonomia, where the “fight or flight” response is in overdrive, while the “rest and digest” system struggles to engage. This imbalance keeps children in a constant state of stress and heightened sensory sensitivity, making it harder for them to feel calm and regulated.
- Subluxation & Body Awareness: A key piece of the puzzle is subluxation, which involves misalignments in the spine and reduced proprioception (the body’s ability to sense movement and position). When this system isn’t functioning properly, the brain misses out on the steady, regulating input it needs, and stimming becomes a way for children to compensate and find balance.
- Sensory Processing & Overload: Misalignments in the upper cervical spine can disrupt how the brain interprets and organizes sensory input, making everyday experiences feel overwhelming. Stimming isn’t just a random habit—it’s a natural, adaptive way for a child’s nervous system to cope with an overstimulating 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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! Don’t wait to reach out to 3T Family Chiropractic in Olathe, Kansas today to schedule a consultation. If you are not local to us, please check out the PX Docs directory to find a PX Docs office near you.
Remember, every child’s journey is different, but gaining insight into these underlying neurological factors empowers you to make informed decisions about supporting their growth and well-being. Stimming isn’t random—it serves a purpose. By addressing the root causes, we can help your child find greater balance and thrive in the way that’s best for them.