Here are guidelines for Autistics on how to suppress more noticeable stimming in public if self-consciousness is an issue.
Even though the acceptance of autism has been growing, there may always be autistic people who aren’t comfortable doing full-on or more dramatic stimming in public environments.
This is especially true if the stimming involves noise.
There are stims that I won’t do in public.
In fact, even before I began realizing that I was on the Spectrum (official diagnosis in 2022), I suppressed certain repetitive movements – because I didn’t want to be perceived as a Nervous Nellie, even if I hadn’t been feeling nervous at the time.
I have replacement or covert stims, which are repetitive behaviors that are either socially acceptable or concealed from observation by any nearby people.
I’ve found that these work amazingly well to fulfill my need to engage in repetitive behaviors even though they’re “micro-stims” or “baby stims.”
Examples of Replacement Stimming
Toe Curling. Nobody could see this if you’re wearing shoes.
It can be very satisfying for self-regulation, whether you’re anxious, bored or your stimming often comes on subconsciously.
Thumb to Hand Rubbing. For instance, rubbing a thumb back and forth on the top of the opposite palm.
Gentle Skin Grabbing. I usually conduct this discreet stim on the lower inner thigh with the opposite hand. If done under a table, nobody will see it.
Calf Flexing and Unflexing. Nobody will ever know. Flex and unflex your calves over and over.
Thigh Flexing and Unflexing. Ditto.
Finger Tapping. Any finger tapping is socially acceptable if done on the upper leg, knee, opposite hand and opposite arm.
Fidget Spinners. These come in different varieties including the popular handheld spinners and spinner finger rings. There are pens with spinners on top, also.
Fidget spinner
Hand Gripper. This serves a double purpose: stimming and strengthening your grip.
Most makes are adjustable, from low tension to high tension. Go for it!
Shutterstock/Sinan Isakovic
“Stress Putty.” Hold the putty in a palm and squeeze away.
Conclusion
The list is endless for replacement stimming, including twirling your hair and using “tangle toys” and poppers.
Playing with a rubber band is also socially acceptable.
So is knee bouncing, foot flapping while the legs are crossed, and foot tapping on the floor.
I’ve often found myself gliding a fingernail back and forth on the opposite palm.
The sky’s the limit with replacement stimming!
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical and fitness topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer. In 2022 she received a diagnosis of Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder and subsequently has developed an intense interest in ASD.
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