Stimming. We all do it. Stimming is when we engage in repetitive movements, sounds or actions to regulate our nervous system. On the spectrum or not, everyone stims. Stimming can look like playing with your hair, the need to control oral fixation by chewing on something like a pencil, your nails or a chewelry. Just as everyone is unique, so is the type of stim that works for them. Some need movement, whether it’s rocking in place, bouncing on an exercise ball, watching rocks fall or jumping on a trampoline. Some need textures like sand, play-doh, putty, a fidget or weighted item. I have 3 different fidgets sitting on my desk at any given time.

Whatever it looks like for you, it’s totally okay to stim. Safe stimming should not be discouraged or stopped because it helps someone regulate their nervous systems and can help them process emotions and manage stress. Stimming should only be discouraged if it’s causing physical harm to someone or others. For example, self injurious behaviors like head banging or cutting, eating non-food items or hurting others by hitting or spitting. If a stim is causing harm, don’t punish the behavior, instead find a safe replacement, like hitting a pillow or using a stress ball. It is equally important to find out why the harmful behavior was occurring and try to reduce that trigger.