ADHD stimming: Example of stimming in adults

We all have routines and habits that we probably don’t even realize we do on a daily basis. And everyone has nervous habits that pop up during stressful situations, such as public speaking or meeting someone for the first time. But for people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, they may exhibit unconscious physical behaviors that help soothe their senses when they feel overwhelmed.

Stimming refers to repetitive movements or behaviors that a person with ADHD may execute in response to stimuli around them to increase concentration. Stimming is common for neurodivergent people, but how do you recognize stimming in adults? It may look differently than in children. That’s what we’re here to help you figure out.

Read on to learn about stimming and how it may differ for autism and ADHD. We’ll also provide examples of stimming to be aware of in adults.

The basics of stimming

Self-stimulatory behavior, usually known as stimming, refers to atypical movements, sounds or behaviors that are repeated as a way to cope with overstimulation, or provide needed stimulation. Neurodivergent individuals can often use stimming as a protective response to environmental or circumstantial factors that may cause them to feel nervous, anxious or impulsive. Stims can also soothe the body and allow for increased engagement with the environment and people around you.

But stims aren’t always a sign of distress! There is also happy stimming, which is when the behavior shows the individual’s happiness or excitement and they feel like expressing those positive emotions. Or they might be hypo-aroused, or bored, and need increased sensory input/stimulation. Stimming can often feel good (when done safely)!

There are multiple types of stims that movements or behaviors can fall into, mostly based on the senses, such as:

• Visual.

• Verbal/auditory.

• Tactile/touch.

• Vestibular/balance based.

Do neurotypical people stim, too? Of course neurotypical people engage in self-stimulatory behavior as well, such as twirling their hair or tapping their feet. But while both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals can stim to cope with anxiety or nervousness, neurotypical stims are easier to stop and often less repetitive than neurodivergent stims. Stimming can be much more significant, personal and purposeful for many neurodivergent individuals.

Is there a difference between ADHD stimming and autism stimming?

Stimming isn’t only a feature of the ADHD brain; it’s of course very prevalent for autistic individuals as well. People with either brain style can utilize stimming as a way to soothe anxiety, but ADHD stimming has a more narrowed purpose of increasing focus and assisting with impulse control. It allows them to engage with the people and situations around them where they may feel overstimulated or restless, such as a busy classroom or sports game. Stimming in ADHD can often look like fidgeting, which is often associated with the hyperactive subtype of ADHD.
 

While every individual has their own stims, there are stims often associated with autism that aren’t as common for ADHD stimming. For example, autistic people may have distinct stims such as hand flapping and rocking, as well as engaging in soothing organizational processes, like lining up objects.

Stimming isn’t included as a symptom of ADHD in the fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders (DSM-5-TR), but it is listed as a characteristic of autism.

Examples of ADHD stimming in adults

Even though stims are unconsciously done for people with ADHD, some may feel shame or fear of being judged. Individuals with ADHD may try to suppress their stims in order to avoid potential judgment, but that can prevent them from experiencing the positive effects that their stims provide , such as feelings of calmness and contentment. Suppressing or masking stims might also inhibit their ability to focus. Masking can also be exhausting and draining.

Stimming is usually a healthy and helpful outlet for the neurodivergent brain, but can sometimes pose some challenges if the behavior is harmful (e.g., skin picking, hair pulling, etc). It’s important to honor your physical and emotional needs by identifying behaviors that are both self-stimulatory and safe. It’s important to take note of ADHD stimming examples in adults, and identify behaviors that feel good and are regulating for both the brain and body. 

There is a wide variety of ADHD stimming examples. It can be helpful to identify what self-stimulatory behaviors help an individual cope, or manage their ADHD. 

Examples of stimming in adults include:

• Humming.

• Teeth grinding.

• Repeating the same word.

• Tapping with fingers or fidgeting.

• Rubbing fingers together.

• Biting lips or fingernails.

• Repeatedly flipping through the same book.

• Drawing or writing in a specific or repeated pattern.

• Staring into space.

• Spinning.

• Rocking back and forth.

For a more extensive list of stims in adults, click here to read a blog post by Dani Rodwell where she expands on additional examples of stimming in adults.

NeuroSpark can help adults explore their ADHD stimming

 At NeuroSpark, we understand and celebrate the ADHD and neurodivergent brain. We can help you understand your unique brain style and how to honor it in a way that is supportive and comfortable to you. We hope to create a space where you can be yourself, and feel safe enough to express yourself as you are, no masking required.

With our one-on-one coaching and accommodations consulting, you can find confidence and contentment to be your authentic self in every capacity. We are also offering therapy in select states and are taking great care to consciously expand our network of neurodiversity-affirming therapy to include more states. 

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule a consultation.