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Vocal Stimming: What It Is and Why It Helps
Self-stimulatory behavior, or “stimming,” is a common trait among autistic people. Stimming is both a way to support sensory and emotional regulation and to express joy. This might look like using fidget toys, hand flapping, hair twirling, or staring at patterns.
Vocal stimming, is also included in this category. Some autistic people, like my daughter, who has autism and ADHD, for example, engage in this sensory-seeking behavior by producing certain sounds. These repetitive sounds, like humming (my daughter’s go-to vocal stim when she’s stressed), clicking, whistling, or even singing (another one of my daughter’s preferred stims), can be self-soothing and satisfying.
While vocal stimming is often associated with autism, these traits can present in neurotypical people as well. What’s important to remember when it comes to any type of self-stimulatory behavior is that it’s harmless and should never be a source of shame.
Whether you’re someone who identifies as neurodivergent or want to support the autistic people in your life, this article will help you better understand vocal stimming. In addition, we’ll explain what vocal stims can sound like, why people find vocal stims calming, and how these behaviors relate to autism, ADHD, and nervous system regulation.
Is Autism Genetic? What Science Actually Shows
Autism diagnoses have increased by about 300% over the past 20 years, along with a rise in more widespread understanding about this neurological condition. While the phrase “knowledge is power” comes to mind, the more we understand autism, the more questions about its origins and causes inevitably arise.
When I received my daughter’s autism diagnosis, part of me was relieved. My suspicions had been confirmed, and we could now obtain much-needed accommodations. At the same time, countless questions were spilling out of my brain as quickly as I could form them.
- “Did I do something unhealthy in my pregnancy?” (Answer: No)
- “Is there a connection between my neurodivergent brother and my husband’s autistic nephew? (Answer: Probably)
- “How did our genetics play a role in my daughter’s diagnosis?” (Answer: It’s complicated; more importantly, no one is to blame, and no one gene is responsible)
- “Is there an autism cure?” (Answer: No, because autism is not a disease and doesn’t need to be “fixed”)
The truth is, there remains a lot of confusion around the causes of autism—specifically on the subject of genetics—even though we know so much more about this condition now than we did only a decade or two ago.
Still, everyone deserves to understand why they are the way they are, without fear, guilt, or shame. Our goal with this article is to help you understand the relationship between autism and genetics, as well as to clarify common misconceptions about genetic inheritance, the process by which DNA is passed down from parents to children.
But above all, we’re here to remind you that humans, whether neurotypical or neurodivergent, are so much more than their genetic makeup.
Embracing Autism Acceptance Month: Moving Beyond Awareness to Inclusion and Understanding
April is Autism Acceptance Month, a time to champion autistic voices and to embrace the strengths and diversity of the autistic community.
Originally, Autism Acceptance Month was known as Autism Awareness Month. It was first conceived by psychologist Dr. Bernard Rimland in 1970, and then officially designated as a national awareness month in April, 1988.
In 2011, however, the Autism Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN), in collaboration with the autistic community, began commemorating Autism Acceptance Month instead of Autism Awareness Month. Autism Awareness Month focused more on the condition’s deficits, or even as something to be “fixed,” but Autism Acceptance Month proudly emphasized autism as an identity.
As someone with an autistic daughter, I’ve seen the benefits of an “acceptance” approach firsthand, rather than approaches that minimize her neurodivergent traits. She thrives in inclusive environments where her self-stimulatory behavior (or “stimming”) is welcomed.
“Acceptance shifts the default from ‘the autistic person should adapt’ to ‘the people and systems around them share the work of making life accessible,’” explains Marie Masse, who identifies as autistic.
This article will cover what Autism Acceptance Month is and provide clarity around why it was changed from Autism Awareness Month. We’ll also delve into, with the help of several autistic voices, what acceptance actually means in daily life, and how to embrace and encourage real inclusion every month of the year.
