ABOUT

This is an online exhibition about autistic children and joy of stimming, created by Kirsti Maula. It celebrates a different way of being, seeing and experiencing. Five families observed their autistic child stimming, and described what they saw. What they saw was something unique and beautiful.

Stimming is a self-stimulatory behavior expressed through repetitive gestures, vocalizations and behaviors. Autists stim in very 
individual and creative ways, using any of their senses. It relieves stress, but it can also be a manifestation of emotions and expression of personality, such as flapping hands in happy excitement.

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Stimming calms the sympathetic nervous system that for autists is 
often in an overdrive state. Studies have shown that it restores the 
overactive nervous system back to normal, perhaps also because 
repetition causes the brain to secrete endorphins. Stimming is 
an important and intelligent way for autists to take care of themselves.