Your Child's Stimming Is Trying to Tell You Something

A Neurological Approach to Helping Kids with Autism Find Relief

If you’re the parent of a child with autism, you’ve probably wondered why your child flaps their hands, rocks, spins, or makes repetitive sounds. Maybe you’ve been told to try to stop these behaviors—or reassured that your child will “grow out of it.”

Here’s the truth most healthcare providers miss: stimming is not bad behavior. It’s your child’s nervous system communicating that it’s under stress and looking for relief. Understanding this deeper neurological connection can completely change how you support your child—and help them feel more calm, balanced, and in control.

At His Work My Hands Chiropractic, we help parents uncover the root cause behind stimming so kids can experience less stress and more regulation.

The Hidden Purpose of Stimming

Meet Amelia. Her mom came to us concerned about her daughter’s constant head-nodding movements. They noticed these movements intensified whenever Amelia felt anxious, almost as if they helped her settle the “butterflies in her stomach.”

After trying medications and other therapies with little success, her mom’s intuition told her something deeper was going on. Through our advanced neurological INSiGHT Scans, we discovered Amelia’s nervous system was stuck in stress mode.

Her stimming wasn’t random—it was her body’s way of coping. Research shows that 80% of individuals with autism use stimming to reduce anxiety and create a sense of calm. These behaviors aren’t meaningless—they’re a survival tool for an overwhelmed nervous system.

The Science Behind Stimming

To really understand stimming, we need to look at three key neurological factors:

1. Autonomic Nervous System Imbalance

When the “fight-or-flight” (sympathetic) nervous system is stuck in overdrive and the “rest-and-digest” (parasympathetic) system is underactive, kids live in a constant state of stress. This condition, called dysautonomia, often drives repetitive behaviors as the brain desperately seeks relief.

2. Subluxation and Proprioception

Subluxation—misalignments and tension in the spine and nervous system—can disrupt proprioception, the body’s sense of movement and position. Without proper regulation, kids instinctively turn to stimming movements (rocking, spinning, flapping) to create the sensory input their brain is missing.

3. Sensory Processing Overload

When subluxation affects the upper cervical spine and brainstem, it interferes with how the brain processes sensory input. This can lead to sensory overload and anxiety, which makes stimming an essential coping mechanism.

The Role of the Vagus Nerve

The vagus nerve—the body’s main “calming nerve”—is a big part of this story. When it’s not working properly due to stress and nervous system interference, kids struggle to shift out of fight-or-flight mode. This often leads to anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and more frequent stimming.

By improving vagus nerve function, we can help kids move toward a calmer, more balanced state.

A Natural Approach That Supports, Not Suppresses

Instead of trying to stop stimming, our goal at His Work My Hands Chiropractic is to help the nervous system feel safe and supported—so your child doesn’t need to stim as often or as intensely.

Through Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care, we:

• Regulate sensory processing so the brain isn’t overwhelmed.

• Support emotional regulation by calming the stress response.

• Activate natural calming mechanisms through the vagus nerve.

Parents often report that as their child’s nervous system becomes more balanced, they notice: ✅ Improved sensory processing ✅ More emotional stability ✅ Easier daily routines ✅ Better sleep and digestion ✅ Increased ability to connect and communicate

Moving Forward with Confidence

Stimming is your child’s way of telling you their nervous system needs help. By addressing the underlying cause—not just the behavior—you can give your child the relief they’ve been searching for.

At His Work My Hands Chiropractic, we use gentle, drug-free care and advanced neurological scans to help kids find better regulation and balance.

📞 Call His Work My Hands Chiropractic today to schedule your child’s consultation and discover a different way forward. 561-517-8445 🌎 Not local? Check out the PX Docs directory to find a neurologically-focused chiropractor near you.

Your child’s stimming is not a problem to suppress—it’s a signal to understand. When you address the root cause, you don’t just reduce stimming… you help your child thrive.