Stimming. We often hear this phrase in relation to neurodiverse children, however today I want to shine the light on me instead, as an adult who stims, because showing my children and community that it’s nothing to be ashamed of is why I do what I do.
So what is ‘stimming’ exactly? In short, it stands for "self-stimulatory behavior”. This refers to repetitive or rhythmic movements like making certain sounds, hand-flapping or rubbing, spinning, or rocking - and these are just a tiny FEW of the ways many different individuals, young and old, seek sensory input.
Some of us stim a little, and some a lot, but it’s not a bad thing, in fact the action of repetitive movement helps to self soothe when things get overwhelming - just think of the magic that happens when a crying baby is soothed by rocking in arms.
Isn’t the brain and body SO clever to know that in making these often subconcious movements, one can settle an upset nervous system?
As a child, and right up to my diagnosis of ADHD just shy of 40, I thought that the release I felt through feeling individual strands of hair (not to be confused with Trichotillomania, where hair is pulled out) was me just being a weirdo.
Why I did this used to confuse and embarrass me so much, however I would almost autonomically find myself reaching for hair in times of stress, overstimulation or under-stimulation, not dissimilar to my child, who frequently self regulates when over excited, nervous or bored by making certain guttural or high pitched sounds (and has done since a wee little man!).
What I came to learn, when I became mama to my beautiful neuro-diverse child, was that the little things we do repetitively, evoking a sense of grounding and calm are really very much OK, and just part of the tapestry that makes up our perfectly imperfect souls. Have you ever wondered where the origins of fidget toys came from? They were MADE for sensory seekers, aka - STIMMERS!
So if the buzz-word of 'stimming' is new to you, next time you see an adult or child repetitively moving, perhaps you’ll now understand it in whole new light, in fact you might find, that you stim too!
And lastly as I close, it is important to note that stimming is not exclusive to individuals with ASD, ADHD or other subtypes of the spectrum, and can be observed in individuals without any diagnosed condition!
Stimming is a natural and valid expression of self-regulation for many individuals, and it is my mission for all these interesting and unique behaviours be understood and respected within the broader context of neuro-diversity.
Happy stimming!
Susanna x Explore the entire 'Every Day I'm a Rainbow 'range of emotional literacy resources HERE!👇
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