Ever clickety-clack your pen during a meeting, or tap your foot impatiently while waiting in line? Maybe you doodle elaborate designs in your notebook, or hum a catchy tune under your breath.
If so, you might be surprised to learn that you’re stimming.
Stimming (short for self-stimulatory behaviors) is all about those repetitive movements, sounds, or even words we sometimes do without even realizing it [stimming]. It’s a super common way for our brains to process information, self-soothe, or just have a little fun.
This blog is all about exploring the wonderful world of stimming! We’ll answer some curious questions, bust some myths, and celebrate the many ways we all stim.
What is an example of stimming?
Stimming comes in all shapes and sizes, just like us! Here are some everyday stims you might recognize:
- Fidgety Fingers: Clicking a pen, twirling your hair, or tapping your foot – these are all common movement stims.
- Hum Along: Do you have a favorite song that gets stuck in your head on repeat? That’s a type of vocal stim called humming [stimming sounds]!
- Doodling Doodler: Filling a page with swirls, patterns, or even little faces – that’s a visual stim in action!
- Line ‘Em Up: Organizing objects in a specific way or lining up your toys – these are object stims.
Stimming can be subtle too, like chewing on a necklace or doodling tiny circles while you listen in class.
Can you stim and not be autistic?
Absolutely! Stimming is something everyone can do, regardless of their brain wiring or how they experience the world. It’s like a built-in toolbox of tricks our brains use to manage different situations.
Here’s a peek inside that toolbox:
- Stress Slayer: Feeling burnt out by a project? Sometimes, a good fidget session or humming our favorite tune can be like hitting a mental reset button.
- Focus Friend: Ever catch yourself tapping your pen while studying? Stimming can actually help some people concentrate better by providing a physical outlet for excess energy and filtering out distractions.
- Boredom Blaster: Tapping your foot or doodling little pictures can be a way to keep your mind occupied and engaged when things get a bit slow.
- Happy Dance: Jumping up and down or clapping your hands – those are just our bodies’ natural way of celebrating a win or expressing pure joy!
How do I know if I’m stimming?
Ever wonder if those little repetitive things you do are actually stimming? Well, the answer is probably yes! Stimming is super common, and it’s a natural way for our brains to tick.
Here’s a fun way to think about it: imagine your brain is like a big house. Sometimes, that house gets a little noisy or cluttered with thoughts and feelings. Stimming is like opening a window to let out some steam, or tidying up a corner to create a calmer space.
So, how can you tell if your repetitive behaviors are stimming? Here are some clues:
- The Why: Does fidgeting with a pen help you focus during a long lecture? Does tapping your foot help you release nervous energy before a big presentation? Does humming a tune make you feel happy and content? If your stimming helps you feel calmer, more focused, or simply expresses how you’re feeling, then that’s a good sign it’s a healthy stim.
- The How: Does your stimming cause any harm to yourself or others? Are you gnawing on your pen so hard it leaves a mark? Is your constant nail-biting causing you pain? If your stimming is hurting you or those around you, it might be a good idea to find alternative stims that are gentler.
Here’s the bottom line: if your stimming helps you function in your daily life and isn’t causing any problems, then you’re stimming like a pro.
What is ADHD stimming?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can present a unique set of challenges, and guess what? Stimming can be a powerful tool in an ADHD brain’s toolbox! Just like how stimming helps people in general, it can be a fantastic way to manage some of the common symptoms of ADHD.
Here’s a closer look at how stimming can be a superhero for someone with ADHD:
- Energy Outlet: Ever feel like you have a motor running inside you that just won’t stop? That’s a common struggle for people with ADHD. Fidgeting with a cube, doodling on a notepad, or even tapping your foot can be a great way to release that extra energy and help you focus on the task at hand. Think of it as letting off some steam in a safe and productive way.
- Focus Filter: Sometimes the world can feel like a giant symphony of sights and sounds for people with ADHD. Stimming behaviors can act like a filter, helping to tune out distractions and allowing them to concentrate on the important stuff. Tapping a pen rhythmically while reading, chewing on a chewy necklace, or gently swaying in your chair can all be ways to create a calmer internal environment that fosters better focus.
- Calming Companion: Feeling restless or fidgety is another common symptom of ADHD. Stimming can be a calming mechanism, offering a sense of comfort and security. Repetitive movements like rocking back and forth, twirling a strand of hair, or even humming a calming tune can help someone with ADHD feel more settled and regulated.
Remember:
Stimming is a natural response, and it’s not something to be ashamed of. It’s simply your amazing brain’s way of finding strategies to manage the world around you.
So, the next time you catch yourself stimming, embrace it! It’s a sign that your brain is working hard to help you succeed.
Stimming is a unique and fascinating part of being human.
It’s not something to be ashamed of, but rather a cool way we can all self-regulate and express ourselves. So next time you catch yourself stimming, embrace it! It’s just your amazing brain doing its thing.