Understanding Stimming: A Closer Look at Social Perceptions
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Chapter 1: What is Stimming?
Stimming, or self-stimulatory behavior, is often perceived as strange, particularly among those who are neurodivergent.
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Section 1.1: The Stigma Surrounding Stimming
Many autistic individuals refrain from stimming in public settings due to their understanding of how neurotypicals might react. They are acutely aware that their behaviors may be viewed as peculiar or odd. This divergence from societal norms leads to stigmatization, where such actions are belittled or even mocked. Unfortunately, those who stim publicly risk being ostracized or mistreated.
Stimming is not just a harmless activity; it serves an essential function. As someone who frequently engages in stimming, I can attest to its relaxing and enjoyable nature. It's akin to giving your soul a massage, alleviating built-up tension that, if left unchecked, could lead to stress and discomfort. Suppressing stimming for extended periods can be detrimental, much like allowing toxic waste to accumulate within the body.
While I personally enjoy stimming, I often choose to do so in private to avoid the need for masking my true self. Masking involves hiding one’s autistic traits, which can be exhausting. Stimming can manifest in various ways, including repetitive movements or vocalizations. In my case, I often talk to myself and repeat certain phrases, which might seem odd to onlookers.
When viewed objectively, stimming is not significantly different from common behaviors exhibited by neurotypicals, such as whistling, singing, or dancing. In fact, stimming is scientifically categorized as stereotypies, behaviors observed in all individuals, although they may be more pronounced in those who are neurodivergent. For example, self-soothing behaviors are not exclusive to autistic individuals; neurotypicals also engage in them during stressful moments.
Section 1.2: The Hypocrisy of Social Norms
The perception that stimming is "weird" stems not from the behavior itself, but from its deviation from societal expectations. If everyone engaged in such behaviors, they would likely be accepted without question. Numerous human actions that are quite similar to stimming are deemed socially acceptable, which raises questions about the underlying hypocrisy of these judgments.
Chapter 2: Exploring Stimming in Context
The first video, "5 Autism Hand Stims," delves into various hand-stimming behaviors commonly observed in individuals on the autism spectrum. It highlights the significance of these actions in promoting comfort and self-regulation.
The second video, "Stimming ADHD vs Autism (YOU Didn't Know This?)" explores the similarities and differences in stimming behaviors between those with ADHD and autism, shedding light on the broader context of self-stimulatory actions.