As a parent of a child with Sensory Processing Differences (SPD), commonly known as Sensory Processing Disorder, you may notice that your child engages in certain behaviors that seem unusual or different from other children. These behaviors, often referred to as “stimming,” are natural and important ways for your child to regulate their sensory experiences and express themselves. Understanding and embracing these behaviors can help you support your child in a way that honors their unique needs and helps them thrive.
What Is Stimming?
Stimming, short for self-stimulatory behavior, refers to repetitive actions that stimulate one or more of the senses. This can include activities like hand-flapping, rocking, spinning, humming, or even playing with objects in a repetitive manner. For children with SPD, stimming can be a way to manage sensory input, reduce anxiety, or simply enjoy the sensation of the behavior itself.
The Importance of Stimming and Play
- Self-Regulation: Stimming helps children with SPD regulate their sensory experiences. It can provide comfort and help them cope with overwhelming environments or emotions. By allowing your child to stim, you’re giving them a valuable tool for managing their sensory world.
- Expression and Communication: For some children, stimming is a form of communication. It can express joy, excitement, or even distress. By observing your child’s stimming behaviors, you can gain insights into how they’re feeling and what they might need at any given moment.
- Joy and Playfulness: Just like any other child, those with SPD engage in play to explore the world, learn, and have fun. Stimming can be a form of play that brings your child joy and satisfaction. Encouraging this type of play supports their development and well-being.
Supporting Your Child’s Play and Stimming
- Create a Safe Environment:
- What It Means: Ensure that your home is a safe space where your child can stim and play freely without fear of judgment or interruption.
- How to Do It: Set up areas where your child can engage in their preferred activities without being disturbed. This might include a sensory corner with their favorite toys, textures, and tools, or simply allowing them the freedom to stim in any part of the house.
- Encourage Exploration:
- What It Means: Give your child opportunities to explore different types of stimming and play. This exploration helps them discover what brings them comfort and joy.
- How to Do It: Introduce new sensory toys, activities, and environments at their own pace. Encourage them to experiment with different textures, sounds, and movements to see what they enjoy most.
- Respect Their Needs:
- What It Means: Understand that your child’s need to stim is a legitimate and important part of who they are. It’s not something that needs to be “fixed” or discouraged.
- How to Do It: When your child is stimming, avoid interrupting them unless the behavior is harmful. Instead, offer support and understanding. If they prefer to stim in a certain way, let them know it’s okay and that you support their needs.
- Join In and Participate:
- What It Means: Sometimes, joining in your child’s play or stimming can be a way to bond and show them that you value their unique behaviors.
- How to Do It: If your child enjoys spinning, for example, try spinning with them or offering a toy that enhances the experience. Let them take the lead and follow along in a way that feels natural to them.
Final Thoughts
Allowing your child to play and stim in ways that feel right to them is a powerful way to support their growth, happiness, and well-being. By creating a safe environment, encouraging exploration, and respecting their needs, you’re helping your child navigate their sensory world in a way that honors who they are.
