Chapter 1: The Concept of Stimming

Self-stimulatory behaviors in autism extend far beyond simple actions like rocking or hand-flapping.

Trigger Warning: This section discusses child abuse and self-harm.

Throughout my life, I've engaged in a behavior I call "cricket feet" without realizing it was a form of stimming. This involves rubbing my feet together while lying down or sliding them over various surfaces for comfort. Stimming, which is short for self-stimulatory behavior, is something inherent to all humans, though those on the autism spectrum may exhibit it more frequently.

Three years ago, I stumbled upon a video that illustrated various types of stimming, and it opened my eyes to the fact that I was constantly engaging in these behaviors throughout the day. Many individuals pondering whether they might be autistic often dismiss the possibility simply because they believe they do not stim. They may be correct; perhaps they are not autistic, or they might be but have learned to dissociate instead. Some may have had their stimming behaviors suppressed during childhood, leading them to cope through different means.

It's also possible that they are engaging in subtler forms of stimming without recognition. This could manifest as biting the inside of their mouths, clenching their jaws, excessive swallowing, mentally stimming, darting their eyes, or even humming. Vocal stimming could include making animal sounds or simply singing repetitively. Some may find solace in reading non-stop or having a book in hand at all times.

I recall a woman from a dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) group who was an avid reader. I often wonder if she might have been undiagnosed on the spectrum since reading can indeed serve as a form of stimming.

While hand-flapping and rocking are commonly associated with autism, any repetitive action can qualify as a stim. The defining characteristics are the frequency and intensity of these movements.

Here are a few more examples of stimming behaviors: tapping toes, bouncing knees, twirling hair, picking at skin or eyelashes, blinking excessively, rubbing thighs, sighing, scrolling on phones endlessly, rolling back and forth on a bed, fidgeting, cracking knuckles, moving lips around, and even knitting or crocheting continuously. Other activities might include playing with glitter, exploring colorful objects, digging hands into a bag of beans, molding clay, tapping feet together while sitting, smoking, or munching on crunchy snacks like chips.

The list could go on indefinitely.

While some individuals on the spectrum may not stim at all, others may have learned to dissociate because their stimming was discouraged or punished during childhood. Yet, upon closer examination, they might find that they engage in covert stimming behaviors like chewing their cheeks.

If you suspect you might be autistic, it may be worthwhile to research stimming behaviors and consider whether you engage in any repetitive actions. The term "compulsive" carries a heavy connotation, but here, it is not meant to imply that stimming is harmful.

For many autistic individuals, stimming serves as a self-regulatory mechanism. It can either calm or energize our nervous systems, aiding us in achieving sensory balance and emotional stability. Stimming assists in managing the constant barrage of sensory information we encounter daily, helping to prevent sensory overload and meltdowns. Some may even experience joy from certain stimming activities.

While some stims can be self-injurious, like head banging or skin tearing, it’s important to address these behaviors without undermining the positive aspects of stimming. Self-injurious stims should be redirected towards safer alternatives, but for the most part, stimming is not detrimental to individuals on the autism spectrum.

It's crucial to remember that not everyone who engages in stimming behaviors is autistic. A comprehensive evaluation based on specific criteria determines autism diagnosis, and stimming is merely one component of this assessment.

Allistic individuals (those who are not autistic) should also acknowledge that they engage in stimming as well, albeit less frequently or with less intensity than those on the spectrum.

Autistic individuals could be likened to Olympic gold medalists of stimming, while allistics might be compared to a novice dancer attempting a complicated move. Just a light-hearted jest!

Happy stimming, everyone!

Chapter 2: Exploring Stimming in Depth

The first video titled "Stimming ADHD vs Autism (YOU Didn't Know This?)" explores the intricacies and differences in stimming behaviors associated with ADHD and autism.

The second video, "Autism and Stimming: 10 Types of Autistic Stims," provides an overview of ten distinct forms of stimming that are prevalent among individuals on the autism spectrum.