Published on 12, July, 2020
Can you explain what stimming is in a simple way?
I don't know if I stim
I know I make a noise with my breathing through my nose, but I don't know why I do it.
When I'm in bed I like to rub my foot on the sheets. I know this makes me relax and calms me. Is that a stim?
I used to suck my thumb and touch a cold pillow with the back of my hand when I was a child. I know this relaxed me when I was younger
What else could me a stim?
This graphic explains stimming beautfifully:
https://ausometraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Stimming-Poster.pdf
I hope this helps!
Great poster, thanks. I'd never heard of stimming before my diagnosis. Now I realise that I do quite a few. Lots of them are things my parents told me off for as a child and said I was weird and needed to stop doing it or I wouldn't fit in. Now I'm trying to accept that they are OK because they help my anxiety and it just feels nice.
Cool!
At the moment my go to tracks are Epica "Rivers" or Nightwish "The Crow, The Owl and The Dove"
Little Owl said:I've been listening to the same music for about 20 years, apparently I should be bored of it but I'm not. There are a few tracks that I listen to on repeat, it makes me really excited and a bit hyper
Yes listening to the same music is definitely a stim! It’s very pleasing and soothing to have predictable input that you know all the words to.
What are your favourite tracks?
Little Owl said:There are other tracks that I listen to when I'm working because they allow me to focus - sometimes an intense kind of focus but at least I get lots done! Never thought about it as a stim but it certainly makes sense.
Yes certain music can definitely help me get into a flow state.
I've been listening to the same music for about 20 years, apparently I should be bored of it but I'm not. There are a few tracks that I listen to on repeat, it makes me really excited and a bit hyper There are other tracks that I listen to when I'm working because they allow me to focus - sometimes an intense kind of focus but at least I get lots done! Never thought about it as a stim but it certainly makes sense.
Little Owl said:I also love to run my hand over things when I'm out - grasses are my favourite especially the fluffy ones but a bush or wall will do too, I just like to touch things!
Yes I get that! Some textures such as grass are really stimmy!
My favourite stims are listening to the same song on repeat (currently ‘Bed on Fire’ by Teddy Swims) and making noises.
Running the flat part of my fingernails over my lips is my usual one, I use it when I'm anxious or bored or sometimes just because I can. I like to wrap my hair around my fingers or a piece of ribbon if my hair is tied back. I also love to run my hand over things when I'm out - grasses are my favourite especially the fluffy ones but a bush or wall will do too, I just like to touch things! Do you have any favourite stims?
You are so welcome! I have this poster up on my bedroom wall!
Little Owl said: Now I realise that I do quite a few. Lots of them are things my parents told me off for as a child and said I was weird and needed to stop doing it or I wouldn't fit in. Now I'm trying to accept that they are OK because they help my anxiety and it just feels nice.
I am so sorry that you were shamed for stimming. Please know that stimming is beautiful and in our autistic community we encourage you to embrace your stims! Free the stim! What are your favourite stims?