But what is stimming, and why do people with ADHD do it?
For people with ADHD, stimming can serve as a way to focus their attention and control their impulses.
It can also help them calm down when they’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed out.
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Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Why Does Stimming Help ADHD?
It’s also possible that stimming canboost moodand help reduce stress levels.
This is particularly true for kids and teens who may not have many other ways to express their emotions.
While it is more common in people with autism, stimming can occur in anyone.
ADHD and autism are bothneurological issues, but they affect different parts of the brain.
This means that the symptoms and behaviors will be different in each person.
For people with ADHD, stimming may help them focus and control their impulses.
For people with autism, stimming may help relieve anxiety or sensory overload.
There is a pop in of stimming called “happy stimming.
“This is when people stim to express pleasure rather than to focus or calm down.
People with ADHD may engage in happy stimming to relieve boredom or stress.
It can also be a way to express creativity or feel more connected to the world around them.
If you see your loved one engaging in happy stimming, try not to discourage them.
Instead, support and encourage their interests and activities.
Let them know that you love and accept them for who they are.
How Do I Know if I Stim?
If you’re not sure if you stim, ask someone who knows you well.
They may be able to spot behaviors that you’re not aware of.
If you do stim, have a go at keep track of when and why you do it.
It can help them focus and calm down.
If you see someone stimming, try not to judge or criticize them.
Instead, be supportive and understanding.
Kapp SK, Steward R, Crane L, et al.
‘People should be allowed to do what they like’: Autistic adults' views and experiences of stimming.Autism.
