Types of stimming
What is “stimming”?
Also known as “self-stimulatory behaviour, “stimming” was a term coined by autistic adults. Stimming serves as a way for neurodivergent people to self-soothe and regulate after processing excess sensory/emotional information.Auditory stimming
This could be anything that involves sound and hearing.
Preferences will depend on how sensory-avoidant or sensory-seeking someone is.
Auditory stims may include…
Repeated music
Ecolalia (verbal stimming)
Ambient music
Singing
Sound of nail tapping
Playing instruments
Tactile stimming
This involves touch and feeling
Spinner rings and fidget toys may be able to replace some of these if they become harmful.
Examples of tactile stimming may include…
Nail tapping
Picking (e.g. nails)
Touching hair
Drumming
Popping bubble wrap/spots
Rubbing arms/legs
Hand flapping
Stroking a pet’s fur/soft objects
Taste/oral stimming
This is any stimming involving the mouth, including texture and temperature.
Taste stimming may include…
Applying lip balm
Eating chewy or crunchy foods
Biting the inside of the cheek
Chewing/sucking a water bottle or straw
Chewing gum/mints
Licking e.g. ice cream
Drinking carbonated drinks e.g. coca cola
Smell/olfactory stimming
This is any stimming involving the nose or smelling
If someone is or is feeling sensory avoidant, too much of this may trigger sensory overload.
Smell-related stims may include…
Scented candles/aromatherapy
Smelling fresh laundry
Soaps/shampoos
Smelling food e.g. fresh bread, baked goods
Fresh flowers
Perfumes
Vestibular stimming
“Vestibular relates to balance and movement.
Autistic people with vestibular difficulties may experience motion sickness and have trouble balancing.
Vestibular stims may include…
Jumping on trampolines
Playground swings
Certain sports e.g. cycling
Skipping rope
Dancing
Running/walking
Proprioceptive stimming
“Proprioception” refers to the muscles’ reaction to movement, weight and the space around.
Proprioceptive stims may include…
Weighted blankets
Deep pressure hugs
Rock climbing
Walking on tip toes
Swimming (floating)
Sitting in a small space/cupboard/cardboard box
Summary
This is a very brief list of possible stims a neurodivergent person may use to regulate their sensory input/emotions.
Not everyone will relate to all of these stims and may be sensory avoidant with certain kinds of stims.
In your own time and safety, be curious and observe what stims help you relax or process the world around you. Some of them may match up to this post!
