Stimming, short for self-stimulatory behavior, is a term commonly associated with neurodivergent individuals, including ADHD and autistic adults.
But what is it, actually? And- does it serve a purpose?
By de-pathologizing and normalizing stimming, we can better understand its benefits for the nervous system and overall mental health. It’s super important to support/encourage stimming for those who find it helpful, and explore how affirming therapists can support ADHD adults in various aspects of their lives.
Understanding Different Types of Stimming
Stimming encompasses a wide range of repetitive behaviors that individuals engage in to self-regulate and express themselves. In ADHD adults, stimming often manifests in various ways. Some common forms include hand flapping, rocking back and forth, finger tapping, or repetitive verbal utterances.
All of us engage in self-stimulatory behavior throughout our daily lives. Many of these behaviors are so common that we don’t recognize them as such – think of the “happy food dance” when you take your first bite of a meal. Others are so subtle that they evade acknowledgement, such as chewing gum throughout the day or humming to ourselves.
Everyone has their unique stimming preferences, and it is crucial to recognize that stimming is not limited to one specific behavior or action. By understanding the multitude of ways stimming can manifest, we can foster a more inclusive and accepting environment for neurodivergent individuals- and ourselves!
De-Pathologizing and Normalizing Stimming- How can a neurodivergent affirmative therapist help?
It is crucial to approach stimming from a de-pathologizing perspective and normalize it as a valid form of self-expression and regulation. Stimming is not a sign of weakness or abnormality; rather, it is a natural response to the wiring of the brain. Literally everyone stims; some people more than others. By accepting and embracing stimming, we can challenge societal norms that tend to stigmatize or pathologize neurodivergent behaviors. Encouraging an inclusive and accepting attitude towards stimming helps create a more inclusive society that values diversity in neurological expression.
An affirming and understanding therapist can play a vital role in supporting ADHD adults in various aspects of their lives. Therapists can help individuals develop effective coping strategies and organizational skills to manage daily tasks and responsibilities. Through therapy, people can also explore and develop strategies for building and maintaining healthy relationships.
In the workplace, therapists can assist clients in advocating for reasonable accommodations, such as flexible work schedules or the use of organizational tools. They can also help individuals navigate workplace challenges and develop strategies to improve productivity and focus.
Regarding mental health, therapists can provide a safe space for ADHD adults to discuss their experiences, validate their emotions, and develop strategies to manage anxiety and other mental health concerns. By utilizing a person-centered approach, therapists can empower individuals to embrace their neurodivergent identity and develop a positive self-image.
Benefits for the Nervous System and Overall Mental Health
Stimming provides significant benefits for the nervous system and overall mental health of ADHD and/or autistic adults. Engaging in self-stimulatory behaviors helps individuals regulate sensory input, reduce anxiety, and manage overwhelming emotions. Stimming serves as a coping mechanism by providing a sense of comfort, grounding, and focus. By allowing individuals to channel their excess energy, stimming helps improve concentration and attention span, enhancing overall cognitive functioning. While it may sometimes seem like a distraction, stimming actually allows people to engage more fully with their environment.
Furthermore, stimming acts as a release valve for built-up tension, allowing individuals to lessen the impact of sensory overload and maintain emotional balance. It can also serve as a form of self-soothing during stressful situations. By recognizing these advantages, we can appreciate the importance of stimming and the positive impact it has on the well-being of ADHD adults.
It is essential to understand that stimming is a natural and necessary part of self-regulation for neurodivergent individuals (again, for all people, but especially neurodivergent fam). Shaming or discouraging stimming leads to increased stress, more anxiety, and can have a negative impact on self-esteem. Instead, loved ones should focus on creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment that respects and embraces stimming as a valid expression of individuality.
It is important to note that stimming is not exclusive to neurodivergent individuals. Many neurotypical individuals engage in stimming behaviors without even realizing it- nail-biting, hair-twirling, foot-tapping, pen-clicking, or doodling during meetings or classes. Recognizing these behaviors as forms of stimming can foster empathy and understanding between neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals, reducing the stigma associated with stimming.
In other words, all of us engage in stimming, neurotypical or not. Some of us rely on it more to help regulate ourselves, that’s all.
Stimming is a natural and beneficial aspect of self-regulation
Shaming or discouraging stimming can have significant negative impacts on individuals with ADHD:
Increased stress and anxiety
Reduced self-esteem
Suppressed self-expression
Increased isolation and alienation
Hindrance to self-regulation
What does stimming accomplish?
Stimming plays a crucial role in helping individuals with ADHD regulate their sensory input and manage their emotions. Here's how:
1. Sensory regulation: Individuals with ADHD often have heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli, such as sounds, lights, or textures. Stimming, which stands for self-stimulatory behavior, helps regulate sensory input by providing a focused and repetitive activity that can either increase or decrease sensory stimulation. For example, rocking back and forth or tapping on a surface can provide a rhythmic and predictable sensory input that helps individuals with ADHD find a sense of calm or alertness.
2. Attention and focus: Stimming can also help individuals with ADHD improve their attention and focus. Engaging in self-stimulatory behaviors, such as fidgeting, tapping, or doodling, can provide sensory stimulation that helps individuals maintain their alertness and concentration. It can serve as a way to channel excess energy and improve cognitive performance.
3. Emotional regulation: Stimming is a natural coping mechanism for managing overwhelming emotions. It can help individuals with ADHD regulate their emotional states by providing a self-soothing and grounding activity. Stimming can release tension, reduce anxiety, and provide comfort during moments of stress or emotional overload. It allows individuals to redirect their focus and regain a sense of control over their emotions.
4. Self-expression and self-awareness: Stimming allows individuals with ADHD to express themselves and communicate their internal experiences. It can be a way of self-soothing, self-stimulating, or self-regulating based on their individual needs. Stimming behaviors can provide individuals with a better understanding of their own sensory preferences, emotional states, and overall well-being.
5. Coping with hyperactivity and impulsivity: Stimming can help individuals with ADHD cope with hyperactivity and impulsivity, which are common symptoms of the condition. Engaging in self-stimulatory behaviors provides an outlet for excess energy and helps individuals redirect their impulses in a more controlled and focused manner.
In summary, stimming plays a vital role in helping individuals with ADHD regulate their sensory input, improve attention and focus, manage their emotions, express themselves, and cope with hyperactivity and impulsivity. It is an important and natural mechanism for individuals with ADHD to navigate their daily lives and find a sense of balance and well-being, and a neurodiversity affirming provider will be excited to integrate all aspects of support and wellness for their client.
Read more about Neurodivergent Affirmative Therapy here.