What does self-stimulation behavior in students with visual impairments often indicate?

Self-stimulation behavior in students with visual impairments often indicates a seeking for sensory input. This behavior, also known as sensory-seeking behavior, arises because individuals with visual impairments may not receive the same level of sensory information from their environment through vision. As a result, they might engage in actions that provide various types of sensory experiences, such as tactile, auditory, or vestibular input.

Engaging in self-stimulation can help these students explore their surroundings, manage anxiety, or simply find pleasure in sensory experiences. It serves as a way for them to interact with their environment in a manner that enhances their understanding and enjoyment of the world around them. By actively seeking sensory input, these individuals may be trying to compensate for the lack of visual information, thus allowing them to feel more in control and aware of their surroundings.