People With Autism Explain What Stimming Feels Like

“It helps my body regulate the sensory information of the world.”

“Sometimes the sensory input gets too much, and I feel like I might explode. Stimming releases the tension and makes me feel a lot calmer.”

“Neurotypical people probably understand and do similar things but the difference is that autism stims feel more necessary, and trying to stop them causes unpleasantness for us.”

“Stimming is comforting, and it lets off pressure from good and bad emotions. I don’t necessarily think ‘I need to stim,’ I just do.”

“Stimming is like breathing…just as natural, just as important.”