The primary reason that stimming is important is because stimming enables us to function better in all realms of life. It’s that simple. So why is it such a big deal for me now?
It’s only a big deal if:
1. You’re experiencing conflicts with relationships, school, job performance, and focus, and
2. The lack of stimming contributes to anxiety, stress build-up, poor sleep, poor self-care skills, or an overall decrease of enjoyment in life.
So many of us have experience the exhaustion of the “masking loop” for so long that it has become normal for us to isolate and sleep (or any other maladaptive behaviors such as overeating, substance abuse, self-harming, canceling last minute important engagements, etc.) in order to cope with overstimulation and exhaustion, ultimately decreasing life’s simple joys. These behaviors or lack of behaviors (stimming) are the key element to the autistic burnout experience.
Autistic burnout is nothing to play around with. I personally experienced autistic burn out for 5 years, all the while not knowing that I, myself, was autistic. Autistic burnout is scary and confusing, especially if you have not been diagnosed early in life.
During our sessions we explore methods to discover personal and meaningful ways of stimming that improve daily living skills and an overall increase of life enjoyment. Now, I’m not saying if you simply tap your pencil, twirl your hair, flap your hands and/or rock that all will be right in the world. What I’m saying is, when one understands stimming, along with the function of a stim(s), then it becomes easier
to increase daily stamina and experience a more holistic life journey.
-Payton
Stimming
The Sensory Diet: What Stim Works for Me?
How do I know what stim works for me? This is a question that is often asked during a session. A lot of times stimming comes very naturally and our body automatically knows what to do. But for some of us, it’s a little more difficult. One reason could be
October 10, 2022
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