Stims were not something I recognized in myself for a long time, even as a therapist, and even as I explored my own autism more deeply. Like many people engaged in self-exploration around autism, the internet and social media became invaluable resources for me. While I’m very familiar with how Autism Spectrum Disorder (more affirmingly referred to as just autism) is described clinically in the DSM-5-TR, those descriptions often felt incomplete. The examples given just skim the surface of how autistic traits, including self-stimulatory behaviors, can actually show up in real life.
One of the DSM-5 examples of stimming includes behaviors like rocking, flapping, pacing, or spinning. And I remember thinking, I don’t rock or spin so this must not apply to me.
That narrow framing delayed a lot of self-understanding.
It wasn’t until much later that I came across posts created by autistic people themselves; these posts listed a wide range of everyday behaviors that function as stims. That’s when things clicked. I started recognizing patterns I’d lived with my entire life but never named.
Some self-stimulatory behaviors are obvious. Many are subtle. And a lot of them are deeply personal.
Things I Didn’t Know Were Stims:
- fidgeting
- clicking or tapping pens
- squinting or blinking frequently
- frequently clearing the throat or coughing
- biting nails
- skin picking
- cracking knuckles and joints
- tapping or drumming fingers
- bouncing legs
- moving or tapping feet/toes
- rolling ankles
- clicking teeth or running tongue over teeth
- biting cheeks
- rubbing lips together
- clenching jaw
- playing with jewelry
- playing with food
- rubbing face
- hair twirling or pulling
- squeezing hands, making tight fists, wringing hands
- stretching
- staring at moving objects, patterns, bright colors, or lights
- watching pleasing visuals for extended periods of time
- oral fixation: biting and chewing things
- playing with clothing or fabrics
- leaning on walls
- bumping into people or things in the environment
- running hands through the shelves in store aisles
- watching the same movies or shows repeatedly
- listening to the same music repeatedly
- tensing and/or relaxing muscles
- humming
- giggling at nothing
- groaning and grunting
- repeating phrases and words that feel good
- fascination with smells/tastes
- blasting music
- looking at shiny or glittery objects
- sorting objects
- tasting foods with strong or specific flavors
- eating crunchy or spicy food
- touching/eating/wanting to feel very cold or hot sensations
- clicking buttons or switches
- running fingers over computer keys
- playing with sand, dough, slime, water, etc
- staring at ceiling fans
- watching lava lamps or changing colors
- spinning or rolling things
- cutting, ripping, stretching, squeezing, peeling things
- climbing or balancing on objects
- swinging
- stacking things and watching them fall
- doodling
- frequent hand holding or hugging
- repeatedly petting an animal
- tracing objects in the visual field with your eyes
The list continues. This is by no means an exhaustive or complete list. Stimming can be really personal, and just as every individual is unique, so are their preferences. Preferences can change, too.
Learning to Notice What Actually Regulates Me
Becoming more aware of my own stims has been deeply enlightening. I know now that deep pressure and physical contact are especially regulating for me. Soft, smooth textures help my nervous system settle. A fuzzy blanket feels grounding in a way slime or water never has.
I’ve also come to realize how much I rely on rhythmic movement and repetition. I rewatch the same shows and listen to the same albums because my brain finds safety in predictability. I’ve always been drawn to gentle, repeating motion, like leaves moving in the wind, color-changing lights, and animated screensavers.
As a kid, I loved erasers, rubbing them, ripping them, reshaping them. I lean into walls and furniture without thinking. I bump into things more than I’d like to admit. That sensory input helps me feel oriented in my body.
Recognizing these patterns has allowed me to look at my behaviors with appreciation instead of judgment.
Right now, I’m rolling my ankle while pressing my thigh against the underside of my desk. Later, I might unfocus my eyes while watching snow fall outside my window. I’ll probably make silly noises to my dog just because it feels good.
Honoring what your body needs matters.
Want to Learn More About Stims?
Last Updated April 2026
