i have brainstormed every possible stim (not every single one but most i can think of) throughout the entire day
first of all, stimming is a healthy and important way for autistics and other ND individuals to regulate their emotions. stimming helps us to express and understand emotions. We stim when we're happy, upset, angry, overwhelmed, anxious, scared and even when we're bored.
it is very important that we are allowed to stim freely because suppressing them can be painful.
i hope this list will help you discover the different ways you can express yourself. stims don't always come naturally, and sometimes we need to discover sitims that work for us. Browse them, try them out, see what works for you.
- any type of repetition using any senses of the body
- it is fluid and infinite
- voluntary/intentional and involuntary/instinctual
- to express emotions and feelings
- to understand what we're feeling
- and sometimes just cause we're bored
shaking your body from head to toe
tapping on a surface or yourself
touching each finger to your thumb one at a time
running your tongue over your teeth
rocking back and forth or side to side
cracking your knuckles or toes
wiggling your toes or fingers
clicking your teeth together
bouncing while sitting or on your toes
running a hand through or over your hair
pulling your hair (in a safe, gentle way)
squeezing your hands together
tensing and relaxing muscles
nodding and moving your head and neck
moving your jaw side to side
opening and clenching your hands
rubbing your palms of your hands together
moving your ankles in a circle
deep, meaningful breathing
rubbing your feet together
Stimming with aid of objects
rocking or spinning in a chair
bouncing on an exercise ball
fidgeting with a stim/fidget toy
opening or closing things
being under a weighted blanket
typing on a phone or computer
petting or scratching an animal
playing with playdough, slime, etc
messing with flip sequins
running your hands over soft and sensory friendly surfaces and fabrics
using the app "antistress" (an incredible app honestly)
repeating a word or phrase out loud or in your head (echolalia)
listening to the same song over and over
waving your hand in front of your face
watching the light dance on the walls
watching liquid stim toys
watching ANY type of pleasing thing
Olfactory (smelling) stims
wearing a necklace/bracelet that holds a scent
putting on perfume or lotion
sucking on a mint or sweet