FROM STIMMING
TO DANCE
November 2024 - February 2025
From Stimming to Dance recognizes stimming as a natural and meaningful form of expression. Through free workshops, autistic children (5 to 14) explore movement without constraints, guided by professional performers, dancers, and autism specialists.The project fosters self-confidence, creativity, and parental understanding, challenging misconceptions about autism. A documentary will capture this journey, using a dreamlike, fragmented style to reflect autistic perception. By sharing these stories, we aim to raise awareness, promote inclusion, and reshape narratives around stimming and self-expression.This is a space where autistic children can move freely, be themselves, and be truly seen.
STIMMING / DANCE
"Stimming," or self-stimulating behaviors, are repetitive body movements or repetitive movements of objects. Many individuals on the autism spectrum engage in routine stimming.• These behaviors provide sensory reinforcement or stimulation, helping individuals regulate sensory input—either increasing stimulation or decreasing sensory overload.• Stimming produces endorphins in the nervous system, contributing to emotional well-being and confidence building.• Like dance, stimming serves as a non-verbal communication tool, allowing for emotional expression and social interaction.• While structured dance follows rhythmic patterns, stimming often involves spontaneous, repetitive movements that may appear irregular. However, both forms of movement foster sensory integration, emotional release, and self-expression.• For many neurodivergent individuals, stimming is not only a way to regulate sensory experiences but also an artistic and meaningful form of self-expression.
THE WORKSHOPS
From Stimming to Dance workshops provide a safe and supportive space where autistic children and young people transform their stimming behaviours into positive, expressive outlets through dance and other creative practices. Combining structured and free movement, the workshops help participants express emotions and thoughts while building confidence and self-regulation. Activities such as dance, art, music, yoga, and sensory exploration foster creativity and self-expression in an environment that embraces neurodivergent individuality.• The workshops involve neurodivergent visual artists, performers and musicians, who base their activities on stimulation as a form of creative expression and connection.• Each session is tailored to sensory needs, combining structured dance with free movement to help participants regulate their sensory input and channel their stimulation into expressive dance.• Rather than giving direct instructions, we create an inclusive space where children are encouraged to participate in the activities in their own way.• These workshops focus on both physical and emotional well-being, helping children to express themselves non-verbally while gaining self-confidence.• Ultimately, the workshops foster a sense of belonging and empower autistic children to feel comfortable with their bodies and their interactions.
EXPECTED IMPACT AND OBJETIVE:
This project aims to create a supportive space for autistic people to express themselves freely through movement and music, enhanced by sensory elements such as sensory lights and music. A key objective is to demonstrate the importance of encouraging stimulating behaviours in children as a valuable form of self-expression.In addition, the project represents a collaborative journey involving multidisciplinary neurodivergent artists, parents and Special Educational Needs (SEN) departments from mainstream schools.Together we will contribute to a shared learning experience that fosters understanding, further growth, and empowerment.
Workshops group one
WORKSHOP group two
STATISTICS IN THE UK:
• In a world where 90% of autistic children use stimming to find calm, many are told to stop.• 40-50% of autistic children have clinically significant levels of anxiety.• A 2011 study from the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that about 47% of autistic children experience at least one anxiety disorder.• Around 70-90% of autistic individuals engage in some form of stimming.• A 2020 study showed that 65% of caregivers reported that stimming helped their autistic children cope with stress and anxiety.• A survey by the National Autistic Society found that 76% of autistic individuals and their families believe that stimming provides emotional relief and helps manage anxious feelings.• In movement-based workshops, 85% of parents observed improvements in their children's mood and emotional regulation after dance therapy sessions.
Research INsights:
★ Research highlights the importance of stimming as a self-regulatory behavior in autistic children. A 2015 study in Autism Research found that repetitive behaviors like stimming help autistic children self-soothe and manage emotional responses to overwhelming environments. Similarly, Koegel et al. (2014) showed that stimming aids in coping with anxiety, stress, and sensory overload.
★ Stimming can also enhance focus by blocking out overwhelming sensory input, making it a critical tool for autistic children. However, discouraging stimming can have negative consequences. A 2017 paper in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that children who are prevented from stimming often experience heightened stress and anxiety, leading to emotional dysregulation.
★ Movement-based therapies like dance support emotional regulation in autistic children. Studies show that rhythmic activities, such as dance, enhance communication, social interaction, and emotional expression, much like stimming. Research also confirms that rhythmic movements improve focus and self-regulation, paralleling the benefits of stimming.
★ Researchers at Goldsmiths, University of London, found that structured rhythmic movements help autistic children explore new forms of self-expression, linking stimming with more formalized practices like dance. Anecdotal evidence from dance therapy practitioners further supports this, suggesting that stimming can naturally evolve into structured forms of expression, providing both physical and emotional benefits.
Project in Progress:
the arts lab
May 2025 - DECEMBER 2025
THE PROJECT: The Arts Lab is a creative and supportive space designed to empower autistic children by giving them the freedom to explore and express themselves through art. Many neurodivergent (ND) children struggle with isolation, anxiety, and a lack of understanding in traditional school environments. Through six dedicated art clubs—ranging from painting and stop motion to movement and music—we provide a safe and welcoming space where ND children can connect with mentors who share their experiences, build confidence, and develop essential self-expression skills.WHY: We created this project in response to a growing need for inclusive, neurodiversity-affirming creative spaces. Our work on From Stimming to Dance highlighted the challenges faced by autistic children, particularly those aged 10 to 14, who often experience bullying, school-related anxiety, and difficulties with social inclusion. By expanding into The Arts Lab, we are offering long-term support through mentorship, workshops, and exhibitions—giving ND children not only the tools for artistic expression but also a community where they feel seen and valued.
ongoing project:
in my world in your eyes
a window into autism
FILM: In My World, In Your Eyes
Elena, an 11-year-old autistic girl, navigates the challenges of mainstream school, offering an intimate perspective on the autistic experience. Through immersive sensory simulations and Elena’s narration, the film invites audiences to step into her world, unraveling the complexities of sensory overload, communication, and self-expression.By fostering empathy and understanding, the film encourages a more inclusive approach to autism, helping educators and students alike embrace neurodiversity.WORKSHOPS IN SCHOOLS
Following the screening of In My World, In Your Eyes, we will facilitate interactive workshops in classrooms with autistic children. Through guided discussions, students will explore key topics such as different forms of stimming, strategies for managing sensory overload, and the shared experiences of anxiety.By engaging in open dialogue, students will gain deeper insight into the challenges faced by their autistic peers. These workshops encourage self-reflection and empathy, empowering young audiences to create a more supportive and inclusive school environment.
