Other Self stimulatory behavior / stimming

[Amethyst]

"Stereotypy or self-stimulatory behavior refers to repetitive body movements or repetitive movement of objects."

I know that self stimulatory behavior (aka stimming) is most common in people with autism, but I've noticed myself doing it more and more. When I'm anxious or upset, I'll clap my hands together because I like the "pins and needles" feeling it leaves. When I'm panicking, I'll tap my collar bones with the tips of my fingers while I calm down. When I need to focus, I'll play with a rock or a crystal (preferably one with smooth and rough edges) to keep my thoughts from racing.

I mostly do these behaviors while I'm driving or otherwise alone because I know how it can look to other people, but I find that it really does help. Does anyone else engage in stimming behaviors?

 

[walter mitty]

This is too weird. I never noticed myself doing this, ever. I just opened your post and before i read a word, was tapping my collar bone. OK, strange thing for the day......

 

[ladee]

I make noises. Just random sounds. I jiggle my foot or knew. I rock back and forth. I th my knees..the list goes on.

 

[mamachick]

I recently have caught myself cupping my fingers around the back of my neck (I suffer cervical pain). My fingers have been hurting a lot too and one of them has rope like around the bend. Maybe tension from neck pain.

 

[Amethyst]

I make noises. Just random sounds. I jiggle my foot or knew. I rock back and forth. I th my knees..the li...

Rocking back and forth was the first thing I caught myself doing.

 

[Punky143]

I find that I hum a lot quietly though trying to not draw attention. I also pick at my fingers, wrap my arms hugging my body, and I always have my blanket nearby that is very soothing. Seldom do I like being touched when I'm like this but every once in awhile I like my head massaged and to be layed on. I am trying to accept this is who I am and not what I should be.

 

[Deleted member 28403]

I play instruments on the street, in the bus and so on. Often get praises by other commuters :p Met band members this way and so on.

Also sometimes when I'm dissociative I instinctively sorta rub my body :p Not in a sexual way, very confusing to talk about

Other things on the list are tapping and similar