TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2019//
TI  - 'People should be allowed to do what they like': autistic adults' views and experiences of stimming
JO  - Autism
A1  - Kapp, Steven K.
A1  - Steward, Robyn
A1  - Crane, Laura
A1  - Elliott, Daisy
A1  - Elphick, Chris
A1  - Pellicano, Elizabeth
A1  - Russell, Ginny
SP  - 1362361319829628
EP  - 1362361319829628
VL  - ePub
IS  - ePub
N2  - 'Stereotyped or repetitive motor movements' are characterised as core features in the diagnosis of autism, yet many autistic adults (and the neurodiversity movement) have reclaimed them as 'stimming'. Supported by a growing body of scientific research, autistic adults argue that these behaviours may serve as useful coping mechanisms, yet little research has examined stimming from the perspective of autistic adults. Through interviews and focus groups, we asked 32 autistic adults to share their perceptions and experiences of stimming, including the reasons they stim, any value doing so may hold for them and their perceptions of others' reactions to stimming. Using thematic analysis, we identified two themes: stimming as (1) a self-regulatory mechanism and (2) lacking in social acceptance, but can become accepted through understanding. Autistic adults highlighted the importance of stimming as an adaptive mechanism that helps them to soothe or communicate intense emotions or thoughts and thus objected to treatment that aims to eliminate the behaviour.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1362-3613
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1362361319829628
ID  - ref1
ER  -