What Is Stimming and How Can It Help Neurodivergent People?
Often neurodivergent clients engage in behaviours known as “stimming.” Stimming, short for self-stimulatory behaviour, can include a wide range of actions like hand-flapping, rocking, spinning, or repeating words and sounds. While these behaviours are most commonly associated with autism, they are also present in people with ADHD, anxiety, and other neurodivergent conditions.
Stimming is not a symptom that needs to be “cured” or “fixed” but rather an important and natural way for neurodivergent individuals to regulate their sensory input, manage emotions, and communicate needs. For many, it serves as a self-soothing mechanism, helping them cope with overwhelming situations or sensory overload.
While some stims are visible, like rocking or hand-flapping, many people also engage in what are known as “hidden stims.” These are less obvious actions such as finger-counting, tapping toes inside shoes, discreetly rubbing a textured object, or silently repeating words in one’s mind. Hidden stims can be equally important in helping someone feel more grounded or calm in a challenging environment, and they often go unnoticed by others. For those who are concerned about drawing attention or feeling self-conscious, these hidden stims can be a useful tool.
Hidden stims are just as valid and significant as more visible stimming behaviours. They allow for self-regulation in situations where more noticeable stimming might not feel comfortable or safe. For example, someone might discreetly rub their thumb against their fingers or silently count in their head during a meeting to manage anxiety or stay focused. Similarly, tapping a foot quietly or twirling a ring around a finger can help release excess energy without attracting attention.
These behaviours, whether hidden or visible, provide a sense of control and predictability in environments that can often feel chaotic or overstimulating. For instance, a person may find that finger-counting helps them manage stress in a crowded, noisy room, or that tapping their toes inside their shoes offers a subtle way to maintain focus during a long conversation. By providing sensory feedback, these actions help to ground them in the present moment, offering comfort and stability.
When we look beyond the surface of stimming behaviours, we see they offer valuable insight into a person’s inner experience. For neurodivergent individuals, these actions are often a crucial part of their well-being. Suppressing or discouraging stimming, including hidden stims, can lead to heightened anxiety, stress, or even a sense of shame. Instead, my approach is to understand the function of the behaviour for each individual and find ways to support them in environments that might trigger the need for such behaviours.
It’s important to create an accepting and inclusive environment where neurodivergent individuals can stim, whether openly or discreetly, without fear of judgment. By recognising both visible and hidden stimming as natural parts of being neurodivergent, we can help reduce stigma and promote self-acceptance. Encouraging open conversations about stimming can also empower individuals to find alternative methods when necessary, or to adapt their stimming in ways that are socially acceptable while still providing the needed comfort.
For those who stim, it can also be helpful to identify triggers that lead to stimming. By understanding these triggers, it may be possible to adapt the environment or develop other coping strategies that are less conspicuous if needed. However, it’s crucial to always approach this from a place of acceptance and support, not from an aim to eliminate the behaviour entirely.
Stimming, whether visible or hidden, is a natural part of life for many neurodivergent people. It is time we move away from the idea that it is something to be stopped or controlled. Instead, we should focus on understanding and embracing it as a valid form of self-expression and self-care.