Self-soothing behaviors are actions a child with autism uses to calm down or manage sensory input, such as rocking, hand-flapping, humming, spinning objects or chewing on things. Most are harmless and helpful. ABA therapists step in only when a behavior causes harm or gets in the way of learning, and then teach a safer way to meet the same need.
Reviewed by Christina Nylander, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA, Regional Director of Operations at Apollo Behavior. Last reviewed November 2026.
In our practice, we often observe self-soothing behaviors in children diagnosed with autism. These actions play a critical role in assisting individuals who experience sensory issues and dysregulation-related stressors. Educators and caregivers of children on the autism spectrum need a thorough understanding of these behaviors to support them and provide a safe environment that encourages growth and development. Caregivers who are educated with a knowledgeable and empathetic approach can help those in their care more easily adjust to their surroundings.
Understanding Self-Soothing Behaviors
Self-soothing behaviors are specific actions people use to mitigate stress, comfort themselves, or manage sensory input. These behaviors are notably prevalent in children with autism, attributed to their distinctive sensory processing and the difficulties they encounter in emotional regulation.
It is important to distinguish self-soothing from stimming behaviors, as the former aims to achieve calmness. In contrast, stimming may fulfill various needs, including but not limited to self-soothing, sensory exploration, or emotional expression. These processes have significance because they help individuals manage anxiety, sensory overload, and the difficulties of new environments.
What are common self-soothing behaviors in autism?
There is a wide variety of ways in which those with autism may exhibit self-soothing activities. Common behaviors include rocking, humming, and hand-flapping, which may be triggered by specific situations such as sensory overstimulation, anxiety, or routine changes. For instance, rocking can provide a comforting sense of physical sensory input, humming can serve as a sound barrier against external noise, and hand-flapping may be a response to sensory needs or emotional expression. The key to effectively supporting and comforting a child with sensory challenges is understanding their context and what it indicates about their sensory and emotional state.
What triggers self-soothing behaviors?
Identifying the specific triggers that prompt self-soothing behaviors in children with autism is a fundamental aspect of their care. These triggers can vary widely, from sensory overload—such as exposure to loud noises or bright lights—to disruptions in daily routines, unfamiliar surroundings, or instances of emotional upset.
Attentive observation of each child’s reactions to various stimuli and situations helps recognize distinct patterns that may signal the presence of specific triggers. For example, a child might exhibit an increase in self-soothing behaviors in response to crowded spaces, suggesting sensitivity to overstimulation, or show similar responses following unexpected changes in their daily schedule, indicating a need for predictability and structure.
Caregivers and educators can take proactive measures to modify the child’s environment or daily schedule by accurately pinpointing these triggers.
When is self-soothing a concern?
Self-soothing behaviors are a common and often necessary aspect of how many children with autism cope with their environment. However, there are instances where these behaviors might indicate more significant challenges. When such behaviors drastically affect a child’s engagement in daily tasks, educational progress, or social interactions, it becomes imperative to examine these actions more closely.
If the child’s self-soothing habits progress to self-injury or become so severe that they impair their social and cognitive development, it could be an indication of more serious emotional or psychological complications. In such a situation, seeking advice from healthcare experts to identify root causes and adjust support measures is needed.
How can parents support a child who self-soothes?
Support strategies for children with autism displaying self-soothing behaviors must prioritize respecting their sensory needs and providing a comforting environment. Several practical measures can be taken:
- Create a sensory-friendly environment: Lessen the impact of sensory stimuli by adjusting the living and learning environments. This may involve softer lighting, reducing background noise, and establishing a quiet area where the child can find peace during overwhelming moments.
- Use sensory tools: Sensory aids like weighted blankets, stress balls, or noise-canceling headphones can provide children with alternative methods of calming themselves and managing sensory challenges.
- Maintain a predictable routine: Stability and predictability are comforting for children with autism. Ensuring a consistent daily schedule can alleviate anxiety and diminish the reliance on self-soothing behaviors.
- Encourage engagement in structured activities: Structured activities with a clear beginning and end can significantly reduce anxiety by providing a sense of control and security. Even something as simple as putting together a puzzle, stringing beads, or playing with shape sorters can help kids focus and find peace in structure.
- Engage in communication often: Encouraging non-verbal or alternative forms of communication can benefit children who might find traditional forms of expression challenging. Tools such as picture cards (PECS, for example) or digital communication aids can help them express their needs and feelings, potentially reducing the need for self-soothing behaviors triggered by frustration or misunderstanding.
- Implement calming techniques: Teaching children calming techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or guided imagery, can equip them with internal strategies to manage stress and sensory overload. These techniques can be incorporated into their daily routine, empowering children to self-regulate before needing to engage in self-soothing behaviors that could potentially be harmful.
- Seek professional guidance: Seek advice from experts in autism and behavioral therapy if your child’s self-soothing behaviors are interfering with their daily living skills or if you are unsure how to support your child adequately. These professionals can offer customized interventions to assist both the child and their family.
Caregivers can provide children with a safe and supportive environment by using these strategies to help them meet their sensory-related needs.
Collaborating with Professionals
Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, therapists, and educators allows for a comprehensive understanding of the behaviors’ functions (reason for why the behavior happens in the first place) and the development of customized coping strategies and behavioral plans. Specialists can assist families in modifying the child’s environment to reduce the reliance on self-soothing behaviors by addressing specific sensory and emotional needs. By working together, the team can ensure your child has a complete network of care that will help them thrive in an understanding, nurturing environment.
Because self-soothing behaviors are essential coping mechanisms, caregivers must approach situations with expertise, sensitivity, and empathy. By doing so, they are better positioned to support the mental, emotional, and developmental growth of children with autism. To help children feel safe, valued, and empowered, we should support programs that design and implement strategies to meet the needs of each student with thoughtful insight. We invite caregivers, educators, and professionals to join us in a collaborative effort to support the unique needs of children with autism through shared knowledge and personalized methods.
note: This was not written by our BCBA team. We generally don’t refer to these as ‘self soothing’ in a clinical format.
How Apollo approaches this
At Apollo, a BCBA looks at when and why a self-soothing behavior happens before deciding whether to change it. If it is safe and helps your child stay calm, we leave it alone. If it causes harm or blocks learning, we teach a replacement that meets the same need. Apollo Behavior has 20 ABA therapy centers across Georgia, from Acworth and Johns Creek to Columbus and Warner Robins, and most families start therapy 2 to 6 weeks after their first call. Find an Apollo center in Georgia or read what ABA therapy is and how it works. Related: the four functions of behavior in ABA.
