Stimming, also known as self stimulatory behaviour involves repetitive, naturally occurring movements or vocalisations. This output serves as a way in which to express emotions and regulate the body’s internal senses.
When these senses are out of kilter it can leave us feeling discombobulated and chaotic which can lead to a heightened sense of instability.
Stimming can be communication of emotions such as distress, excitement and happiness.
Stimming gives the brain the necessary feedback to enable it to maintain its equilibrium and with that; function at it’s most effective.
Some examples of stimming;
Humming, whistling, singing, clapping, laughing (Yes, that involuntary burst of air and noise is a stim that increases the oxygen levels and alters serotonin and dopamine levels), crying (this triggers the release of endorphins that ease emotional and physical pain), jumping, running, swaying, rocking…
Stimming is not exclusive to Autism, all humans stim it’s just some feel they can only stim at home and others feel at ease stimming in public, some might stim without realising. You might tap your pen on the desk, joggle your foot while sat in a meeting, rest your head on your hands or arms or chew the end of your pen. This is all self regulatory behaviour.
Should you stop yourself or anyone else from stimming it can create a huge sense of irregularity. Obviously if the stimming is harmful to you or those around you then this requires a redirection so that the need is met and the feedback gained.
An example of a redirection: biting, whether it be inwardly or outwardly biting it’s not the safest way to achieve that need and so guiding the biting towards a clean cotton cloth or the corner of a clean face towel or even chewing gum if it’s appropriate and safe to do so.
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