A psychologist has identified some ‘autistic stims’ that are ‘quite common’, which may be worth noting if you suspect someone might have the neurodevelopmental disorder.
In 2024, awareness and openness about mental health have increased significantly compared to previous years. However, identifying whether you or someone else is experiencing certain conditions can still be challenging.
To help, a psychologist has shared specific ‘stims’ that individuals with autism might display more frequently than others via TikTok.
Psychologist Dr. Kim Sage used her TikTok platform to discuss some ‘autistic stims’ that are ‘quite common’.
According to Healthline, stimming refers to the natural behavior of self-stimulation.
Their website explains, “It may include nail biting, drumming your fingers on a surface, or full body movements like rocking or swaying.”
Healthline points out that ‘everybody stims in some way’, though some individuals have more noticeable stimming behaviors.
While stimming is not always associated with autism, in certain individuals with autism, it can become ‘out of control and cause problems,’ making it part of the diagnostic criteria for autism.
So, what are some common stims?
In a video shared earlier this year, Dr. Sage mentions that ‘hair twirling’ or ‘playing with hair’ can be a stim seen in those with autism. However, she clarifies, ‘most everyone stims and doing these does not make you autistic.’
Other examples include playing with jewelry, twirling or rubbing a blanket, playing with or clicking pen caps, biting nails or picking at skin, making sounds with your mouth, or tapping nails together.
More broadly, ‘repeating dances, songs, lyrics, trending sounds/ videos,’ can also be associated with autism stimming.
Healthline emphasizes that stimming ‘isn’t necessarily a bad thing that needs to be stifled’ but is something to monitor.
When should you consider seeking the advice of a healthcare professional?
@drkimsage #autistic #stim #stimming #autisticadult #drkimsage 🌷most everyone stims and doing these does not make you autistic- but among autistics stimming can be very calming and regulating and quite common🫶
Healthline advises addressing stimming if it ‘interferes with quality of life’ or becomes ‘disruptive to others.’
They elaborate: “Almost everyone engages in some form of self-stimulating behavior. You might bite your nails or twirl your hair around your fingers when you’re bored, nervous, or need to relieve tension. Stimming can become such a habit that you’re not even aware you’re doing it. For most people, it’s a harmless behavior. You recognize when and where it’s inappropriate.”
“For example, if you’ve been drumming your fingers on your desk for 20 minutes, you take social cues that you’re irritating others and choose to stop.”
In individuals with autism, stimming ‘might be more obvious’ in its presentation, such as ‘full-body rocking back and forth, twirling or flapping the hands.’ It is important to remember there is a spectrum, and symptoms will vary from person to person.
Healthline notes that stimming ‘can go on for long periods’ in those with more pronounced autism, and often, the individual may lack social awareness that the behavior is disruptive to others.
Even for those with autism, stimming is not ‘always cause for concern,’ but if it ‘interferes with learning, results in social exclusion, or is destructive,’ seeking professional advice and support is definitely recommended.
If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support, help is available through Mental Health America. You can call or text 988 to connect with a 24-hour crisis center, or use the webchat at 988lifeline.org. Alternatively, you can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.