Steve

I wanted to touch on ADHD stimming in this thread. If Comment on your stims or get some information below. ADHD stimming refers to self-stimulatory behaviors that people with ADHD engage in to regulate their energy levels, emotions, or sensory input. These behaviors can be physical, verbal, or mental and are often used unconsciously as a coping mechanism for managing overstimulation, understimulation, or emotional dysregulation. While stimming is commonly associated with autism, it is also prevalent in individuals with ADHD, though it may manifest differently. Characteristics of ADHD Stimming ADHD stimming typically serves one of these purposes: Energy Regulation: To release excess energy when hyperactive or to boost focus when under-stimulated. Emotional Regulation: To manage overwhelming emotions, whether excitement, frustration, or anxiety. Focus Aid: To maintain attention during tasks that require concentration. Types of ADHD Stimming Physical Stims Fidgeting: Playing with objects (pens, fidget toys, rings, paperclips). Tapping: Fingers or feet drumming on surfaces. Leg Bouncing: Continuous leg movement when seated. Pacing: Walking back and forth while thinking or waiting. Hair Twirling or Pulling: Manipulating hair when nervous or bored. Chewing: Biting on pens, nails, or gum. Rocking: Slight rocking back and forth while seated. Stretching or Cracking Joints: Stretching fingers, wrists, or neck repeatedly. Touching Textures: Running fingers over textured fabrics or surfaces. Head Movement: Nodding or shaking the head lightly while concentrating. Verbal or Vocal Stims Humming or Singing: Low humming sounds, especially during repetitive tasks. Repetitive Noises: Clicking the tongue or making quiet sounds. Talking to Oneself: Repeating words, phrases, or sounds to process thoughts. Repeating Favorite Phrases: Echoing words from media or personal interests. Muttering: Whispering or softly talking to oneself for focus. Mental Stims Counting or Repetition: Mentally counting objects or steps. Daydreaming: Losing focus and engaging in vivid imaginary scenarios. Mental Word Games: Playing with words, rhymes, or patterns mentally. Repetitive Visualization: Thinking of specific, calming mental images repeatedly. Why ADHD Stimming Happens Hyperactivity-Driven Stimming People with ADHD often have excess energy and use physical or verbal stims to release it. For example, tapping feet or bouncing legs during a meeting can help dissipate restlessness. Sensory-Seeking Stimming Many individuals with ADHD are sensory-seeking, meaning they actively look for input to keep their brain engaged. Chewing on gum or touching textured surfaces may provide sensory satisfaction. Understimulation The ADHD brain thrives on novelty and stimulation. During mundane tasks, repetitive stims like humming or tapping can help the individual stay engaged by providing supplemental stimulation. Overstimulation When overwhelmed by intense emotions or stimuli, stimming can serve as a calming mechanism. For example, someone might rub their hands together during stressful situations to ground themselves. ADHD Stimming vs. Autism Stimming While stimming behaviors overlap between ADHD and autism, there are distinctions: Purpose: ADHD stimming often focuses on managing energy or attention, whereas autism stimming frequently serves sensory processing or self-soothing purposes. Awareness: ADHD stimming is often less noticeable to the person doing it, whereas autistic individuals may be more aware of their stims. Triggers: ADHD stimming is closely tied to boredom, frustration, or hyperactivity, while autistic stimming may be more associated with sensory input or routines. Benefits of ADHD Stimming Improved Focus: Helps sustain attention by providing a secondary outlet for energy. Stress Relief: Offers a way to cope with emotional or sensory overload. Self-Regulation: Keeps emotions and physical energy levels in check. Creativity Boost: Some stimming behaviors (like pacing or doodling) can enhance creative problem-solving. Challenges of ADHD Stimming Distraction: Some stims can disrupt focus, especially when loud or repetitive. Social Perception: Visible stims like leg bouncing or humming may be misunderstood as rudeness or nervousness. Excessive Behavior: In rare cases, stimming behaviors (e.g., nail-biting) can lead to physical harm or discomfort. Coping and Harnessing Stimming Positively Acceptable Stimming Outlets Use fidget toys, stress balls, or textured objects. Choose socially discreet stims, like silent fidgeting or chewing gum. Practice rhythmic stimming, such as tapping quietly in sync with music. Reduce Problematic Stims Set boundaries for behaviors that disrupt others (e.g., loud tapping in meetings). Replace harmful stims (like nail-biting) with safer alternatives (e.g., chewing gum). Use mindfulness techniques to identify emotional triggers for excessive stimming. Stimming in Social Settings Practice subtle stims like finger tapping or playing with a ring. Explain stimming to close friends or colleagues for better understanding.

We are creating an ADHD bible. It would be good to hear from you if you have any additions. Please read through symptoms before adding and we will look at adding them https://adhdforum.org/adhd-bible/

I find that music helps me get out of depression quite quickly or for that dopamine hit I search for particular music and then crank it up. Other things i find with music are the following Find it hard to get to the end of a track, always want to jump Jump tracks all the time, have to find the one that gives most dopamine certain tracks will send me in to euphoria i can remember every word from songs 30 years ago and even if i have not heard them for 30 years I remember have a habit of changing the words as i sing along to my amusement, childish ones if the kids are with me must have music on when i am eating at home... i am a wreck without it. In the office i am not so bad. I think music is important to those with ADHD, i'd be lost without it

If you are reading this, well Hello! 😉 I am Estaban, founder of this forum and I thought i would intro myself. I am from Dorset in the UK and have interests in Cars, Motorbikes, road trips, anything that involves engineering, wonders of the world and war history. Dislike being nagged, getting hands wet and being distracted or stupid noises. Apart from that happy go lucky. I look forward to hearing from you guys and making new fellow friends. cheers Esteban