Speaking through stims: a children's book exploring self-stimulatory behavior

Abstract

Self-stimulatory behavior, colloquially known as stimming, consists of repetitive and rigid movements, and vocal sounds. These behaviors are done by everyone but are most commonly associated with individuals on the autism spectrum. Stimming provides multiple benefits to individuals on the spectrum but is often stigmatized and discouraged by others. To those unfamiliar with it, especially children, stimming can be confusing and even frightening. Diverse children’s books act as a window for children to experience the perspective and gain a new understanding of others. In an effort to create a tool to help alleviate stigma around stimming, I created a children's picture book centered around the stims of my younger brother to allow children on the spectrum to see themselves in a book and to provide children not on the spectrum information on behaviors they are not familiar with.