Hello Bloom Besties! Welcome back to Bloom Diaries. In this post, we’re diving into the topic of stimming – short for self-stimulatory behavior. For many people, especially autistic individuals, stimming is a natural and important way to regulate emotions, process sensory input, and express themselves. It can look like hand flapping, rocking, humming, tapping, spinning objects, or repeating certain phrases. For some, it’s not just a habit – it’s an essential part of daily life.

Understanding the Importance of Stimming

Stimming plays a vital role in many people’s well-being. Some of its key benefits include:

• Self-Regulation: Calming anxiety, relieving stress, and creating a sense of safety.

• Sensory Processing: Managing sensory overload or seeking needed sensory input.

• Expression: Communicating joy, excitement, or emotion without words.

These actions are not meaningless quirks – they are purposeful, helpful, and often necessary for emotional and sensory balance.

Busting Myths About Stimming

There’s a lot of misunderstanding around stimming. Let’s clear some of that up:

• Myth: “Only autistic people stim.”
  Truth: Everyone stims in some way – think tapping a pen, twirling hair, bouncing a knee.

• Myth: “Stimming means someone is out of control.”
  Truth: Stimming is often how a person maintains control and regulates emotions.

• Myth: “Stimming should be stopped to help someone fit in.”
  Truth: Stopping stimming can take away a person’s coping tool and increase anxiety.

The Harm of Suppressing Stimming

Not all stims are the same. Most are completely harmless, like rocking, hand-flapping, or humming. However, some may be physically harmful, such as head-banging or skin-picking, and might need to be replaced with safer alternatives.

The goal should never be to eliminate stimming, but to help someone find ways to stim that keep them safe and comfortable.

How To Support Stimming

If you’re a parent, teacher, friend, or co-worker, here’s how you can help:

• Respect their space: If someone is stimming, let them be unless they ask for help.

• Avoid calling attention: Public comments can cause embarrassment or shame.

• Ask before intervening: If you’re concerned, check in with a gentle question like, “Are you okay?” instead of assuming.

• Advocate for acceptance: Speak up in classrooms, workplaces, and communities to normalize stimming.

Strategies to Normalize and Celebrate Stimming

Here are some ways we can make the world more accepting of stimming:

• Educate & Share: Talk openly about what stimming is and why it matters.

• Avoid Judgment: View stimming as a form of self-care, not a problem to “fix.”

• Create Safe Spaces: Allow stimming in classrooms, workplaces, and public settings.

• Model Acceptance: Show children and peers that stimming is just another way people navigate the world.

Creating a Stim-Friendly Toolkit

For some people, having tools ready can make stimming even more comforting. A stim toolkit might include:

• Fidget toys

• Weighted lap pads or blankets

• Noise-canceling headphones

• Chewelry (chewable jewelry)

• Sensory-friendly fabrics or textures

• Small objects to spin or squeeze

These tools can help with sensory regulation and make self-care more accessible in public spaces.

A Culture of Acceptance

Normalizing stimming sends a powerful message: You are accepted exactly as you are. When we choose understanding over judgement, we help build a more inclusive world – one where authentic self-regulation, joy, and movement are celebrated.

The next time you see someone rocking, flapping, or humming, remember – you’re witnessing them taking care of themselves in the way that works best for them.

🩷 Want to show your support? You can shop our Normalize Stimming Collection here: https://mydailybloom.com/collections/normalize-stimming

~Grace 🌸