AmandaCabrera has some good ideas to manage stim. I don't think you should ever punish stim. It's like a compulsion. But some of the things that Amanda mentions, I would wonder if they're stim. For example my son hits his head but it's always when he's agiatated so I don't consider it stim but actually a negative behavior that can be managed by using behavior modification to teach him self-control when agiatated. I think we need to first consider if what you are calling stim is really stim.... or if it's a behavior.

We have had success in managing and reducing many of my son's negative behaviors. But we've only managed to reduce my son's self-stim in structured environments. It never generalizes to natural environments. So I've finally given up and just let him stim at home. Also if he's stimming in public, I consider whether the location is stressful or not. If it's not stressful, then I tell my son that he needs to wait until we get home. If its stressful, then I try to remove him. If that's not possible, I find a space where he can stim that doesn't bother other people.

Each kid is different. So you have to try different things. If you can figure out the function of his behavior than its easier to find a replacement like Amanda suggests.

I totally agree with Ms_Teacher_Lady. My son does not exhibit stimming behavior, but I work in a school for children with autism. Many of our kiddos stim and we do not stop it unless it is a danger to themselves or others. As we all know, each child is different, but some stims can be controlled and - like the poster above, the kiddos can be taught to only stim when/where appropriate.

depends on what hes stimming on or doing while he stimms if its self destructive (biting clawing, hitting, banging head on wall, pulling on you, etc) then yes and as soon as possible.

i sugest you redirect the ones you do not like but are not harmful (ie chewing on clothes) to something appropriate (like chewing on chewelry). limit climbing to a climbing wall, etc

if he is shaking his head or moving objects in front of his eyes look into vision therapy. same thing if he is making noise or dropping objects, rocking, running, etc maybe he needs sensory processing information.

often there is a purpose to the stimming so stopping it in one go is not going to be healthy either. even if his stimms are hurting himself or others only allow ONE (let him choose if possible). make sure he knows its only appropriate to throw a ball against a wall. he cannot bite pull or hit but if he wants to throw the ball against the wall he can do it all he wants. after he seems to understand this and only turns to throwing the ball against the wall. move it to more and more appropraite behaviors. thowing balls agaisnt the OUTSIDE brick wall. only bounce balls. only spin chinese stress balls or if you can redirect it only fidgeting with a desgnated toy.

if you need a chewy or fidget try http://kidcompanions.com/

Jill, What techniques have worked to stop stimming? We were punishing it at first but I think they can't help it right... it's a compulsion? Whatever has been extinguished just turns up in a different way for us.

No, never,unless safety is a concern.. they need this to regulate their symptoms, and in some cases remain calm.