Does Sensory Seeking in Autism Include Spinning or Jumping Behaviours?

PostedDecember 10, 2025

UpdatedDecember 10, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Hannah Smith, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Yes, many children show sensory seeking: spinning and jumping in autism as part of their daily routines. These movement behaviours are forms of stimming, short for self-stimulatory actions, which help regulate the nervous system. For autistic individuals with hyposensitivity, activities such as spinning in circles or jumping repetitively provide the strong sensory input their brains may be under-registering.

While these actions might look unusual, they are purposeful. Spinning, bouncing, or jumping are not random; they are effective ways of increasing balance awareness, body control, and focus. Recognising these patterns as stimming helps families and educators better understand their value.

Why Spinning and Jumping Occur

Here’s how sensory seeking: spinning and jumping in autism connects to regulation and support:

Spinning for balance

Rotating in circles stimulates the vestibular (balance) system. Occupational therapy often incorporates structured spinning activities to safely meet this need.

Jumping for deep input

Repetitive jumping gives strong feedback to muscles and joints. Trampolines or safe jumping mats can provide controlled ways to satisfy this behaviour.

Link to stimming

Both spinning and jumping are types of stimming that help calm or energise the body. Structured sensory diets and movement breaks can help integrate these safely into daily life.

Supporting these movement behaviours with safe alternatives ensures the child’s need for regulation is met without injury. Visit providers like Autism Detect for personalised advice on stimming and sensory routines.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Hyposensitivity and Sensory Seeking.

Hannah Smith, MSc

Author

Hannah Smith is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and over three years of experience in behaviour therapy, special education, and inclusive practices. She specialises in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and inclusive education strategies. Hannah has worked extensively with children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Down syndrome, and intellectual disabilities, delivering evidence-based interventions to support development, mental health, and well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.