Stimming in ADHD

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhy Does Stimming Help ADHD?ADHD Stimming vs. Autism StimmingTypes of StimmingExamplesWhat Is Happy Stimming?How Do I Know if I Stim?How to Manage Stimming BehaviorsHow to Respond to Stimming

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Why Does Stimming Help ADHD?

ADHD Stimming vs. Autism Stimming

Types of Stimming

Examples

What Is Happy Stimming?

How Do I Know if I Stim?

How to Manage Stimming Behaviors

How to Respond to Stimming

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When it comes toADHD, stimming is a common and often misunderstood behavior. But what is stimming, and why do people with ADHD do it? Stimming is essentially a self-stimulatory behavior that helps people focus or cope withstressoranxiety.It can involve anything from making repetitive movements to saying specific words or phrases over and over again.

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.

If you have a loved one with ADHD, it’s important to understand why they stim and how you can help support them. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

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There is some debate about why stimming helps ADHD, but most experts believe it has to do with the way the brain processes information.For people with ADHD, stimming may help them focus and pay attention to tasks at hand.

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.

There is a common misconception that stimming is only present in people withautism. 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.

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Examples of ADHD Stimming Behaviors

Below are some examples of common stimming behaviors in people with ADHD:

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There is a type of stimming called “happy stimming.“This is when people stim to express pleasure rather than to focus or calm down. Happy stimming can involve any type of self-stimulatory behavior, but it’s typically done to express enjoyment rather than to manage negative emotions.

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.

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, try to keep track of when and why you do it. This can help you understand your own behavior and find ways to minimize or avoid stimming when it’s not necessary or might be disruptive.

If you or someone you know stims to focus or calm down, there are some ways to manage the behavior:

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How to Help Someone Who Stims

If you see someone stimming, there are some things you can do to help:

Stimming is a common way for people with ADHD to manage their symptoms. 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.

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2 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.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. 2019;23(7):1782-1792. doi:10.1177/1362361319829628Center for Autism Research.Stimming: What Is It and Does it Matter?

2 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.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. 2019;23(7):1782-1792. doi:10.1177/1362361319829628Center for Autism Research.Stimming: What Is It and Does it Matter?

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

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. 2019;23(7):1782-1792. doi:10.1177/1362361319829628Center for Autism Research.Stimming: What Is It and Does it Matter?

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. 2019;23(7):1782-1792. doi:10.1177/1362361319829628

Center for Autism Research.Stimming: What Is It and Does it Matter?

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