ADHD & Stimming - What Is It?
Why People With ADHD Fiddle With Things, Tap Out Rhythms & do so Many Other Really Annoying Things!
Image ©️ Vecstock via FreePik.com
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INTRODUCTION:
One day at work, I had a phone call from my colleague in the office downstairs, directly under mine. All she said, in a mockingly sing-song voice was, ‘I’m going to stab you!’
I’d been tapping on my desk again and she was enduring hours of constant vibration as my fidgeting rattled through the floor and disturbed her work in the office below.
It’s just one of the things I do that we can say confidently comes as part of my ADHD package. The name for this is ‘stimming.’
WHAT IS STIMMING?
Stimming, or self-stimulation, is common amongst people with ADHD. It refers to the kinds of repetitive movements, sounds or actions that can help with emotional self-regulation, improve focus, regulate sensory inputs and/or relieve stress.
We all engage in stimming from time to time, but ADHD stimming tends to be more intense, more frequent and can interfere with normal functioning (e.g. by causing problems at school, at work or in social settings).
And it can be really annoying to others - hence my colleague expressing her homicidal impulses on the phone!
TYPES OF STIMMING
In this section I’ll run through some of the different kinds of stimming behaviour observed in people with ADHD.
Motor Stimming:
Finger tapping or drumming - sometimes with implements (pens, pencils, rulers, cutlery, etc.)
Pacing or fidgeting - involuntary movements while sitting and/or getting up and moving around
Rocking back and forth - more commonly associated with ASD, this can also occur (usually in a less overt form) in people with ADHD
Twirling or flicking objects - the non-rhythmical fiddling with ‘stuff’ (see object stimming)
Repeatedly bouncing a leg - in my case both legs - while simultaneously tapping out precise and complex rhythms with my fingers!
Vocal Stimming:
Humming, whistling, giggling or…
Other mouth sounds - repetitive throat clearing, clicking the tongue, rhythmic blowing (whistling without a discernible tune)
Making other repetitive, odd noises or sounds
Singing constantly - often the very same few words or single line over and over
Tactile Stimming:
Scratching or rubbing certain textures
Rubbing hands together or on clothing
Running fingers through hair, twisting hair round a finger
Tapping or touching surfaces, cracking knuckles
Where the stimming produces a sound or rhythmic noise, this is sometimes referred to as auditory stimming
Oral Stimming:
Chewing at objects, clothing or fingernails
Biting lips, scratching the skin, biting the inner cheeks
Tapping teeth together or flicking the tongue back and fore rhythmically
Object Stimming:
Spinning or rotating objects
Flipping or manipulating small items (pens, coins, anything to hand)
Stacking or arranging objects for no obvious reason
Vestibular Stimming
Spinning, rocking or swinging
Image ©️ Rosalie Winard
WHAT’S THE POINT?
Good question.
For me, as with many others I’m sure, there is no conscious decision to start an episode of stimming - it just happens.
At some later point it comes into consciousness as you become aware you’re doing it. Or sometimes someone else will bring it to your attention - occasionally with threats of violence if you don’t stop! :0)
Here are a few reasons why people with ADHD may ‘stim’:
Sensory Regulation: Stimming can help those with ADHD regulate their in-the-moment sensory experiences. Engaging in repetitive and/or rhythmical movements or actions, can help them avoid or seek out certain sensory experiences and so find a balance that feels more comfortable or calming to them.
Focus and Attention: Some individuals with ADHD - me included - find that stimming helps them to focus and pay attention more effectively. There’s something about the repetitive nature of it that helps them concentrate on tasks and/or filter out potential distractions. I stim most when concentrating.
Self-Soothing and Emotional Regulation: Stimming can serve as a way of self-soothing for people with ADHD. The movements, sounds or actions help to soothe stress, dial down anxiety or frustration, and help to provide a sense of comfort. All this promotes and helps to maintain emotional self-regulation.
Energy Release: Stimming can be a way for individuals with ADHD - perhaps particularly those who are of the hyperactive/impulsive subtype? - to release some of their excess energy. Stimming can help channel some of that energy and restlessness into a more controlled and manageable form of physical expression. Personally, if I’m going to have any chance of paying close and focused attention to anything, I will be stimming at the same time. To concentrate on work, for example, I need to sit; to sit still I must quieten the dynamo within - that’s where stimming really helps.
Coping Strategy: People with ADHD may use stimming as a coping mechanism. Especially in high stress or potentially overwhelming situations, stimming can bring an increased sense of structure and/or control.
N.B. This is not an exhaustive list. Stimming can appear very differently and be present for different reasons in different individuals and will vary dependent on the situation. People may derive very different and varied benefits from it, too. And challenges.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
I am a stimmer, always have been and I know it drives people nuts sometimes! But I also know that it helps me.
I often notice that I’m stimming when I’m in specific kinds of situations; for example: when really concentrating, when focused on a task I find tricky like using working memory (holding thoughts in my mind while I do something with them) or when I’m nervous, anxious or in a stressful moment.
I’ve learned over the years to be kind to myself about it. Rather than being self-critical or allowing myself to feel like a twit, I just notice it, smile to myself and crack on - because I know that usually, in some way or another, it’s helping.
Even if it’s not always helpful to others…
More Info
BOOK: Scattered Minds - The Origins & Healing of ADHD - click here (affiliate link)
BOOK: ADHD 2.0 by Ed Halliwell & John Ratey - click here (affiliate link)
ADHD Test: Do I Have ADHD? - click here
ADHD Test: For Women - click here
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