Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsExamplesFidgeting vs. StimmingTriggersManagement
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Examples
Fidgeting vs. Stimming
Triggers
Management
ADHD stimming (self-stimulatory behavior) occurs when a person with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder unconsciously repeats certain movements or sounds. Some examples include humming, pacing, teeth grinding, and rocking, though there are many others.
The reasons for stimming can vary depending on the person and environment. It’s thought that, withADHD, these behaviors may come from a need to improve focus, self-soothe, or channel energy.
Stimming is normal with ADHD but can be problematic if it disrupts everyday functioning or results in self-harm or injury. Medication, self-control techniques, and environmental changes may help.
Verywell / Michela Buttignol
Examples of ADHD Stimming
People with ADHD may engage in several different types of stimming, though some may have select behaviors that they tend to default to.
Can Eating Be a Sign of ADHD Stimming?Some people with ADHD may overeat as a way of stimulating the brain. Poor impulse control can also manifest as impulsive eating.
Can Eating Be a Sign of ADHD Stimming?
Some people with ADHD may overeat as a way of stimulating the brain. Poor impulse control can also manifest as impulsive eating.
Many people engage in self-stimulatory behaviors from time to time. These can be similar to or even the same as some stimming behaviors seen with ADHD.
In neurotypical people, these behaviors are often simply referred to as fidgeting. If you have twirled your hair while talking, tapped your foot while studying, or rubbed your fingers together while nervous, you have engaged in stimming.
The difference is that when you have ADHD, these behaviors are:
Stimming doesn’t necessarily mean you or your loved one has ADHD, or even that changes are needed if there is a diagnosis. But if you are worried about stimming behaviors, reach out to your healthcare provider or a mental health professional.
Stimming is a universal behavior that can occur in anyone. It is not exclusive to ADHD or any other medical condition. Stimming exists on a continuum. Some people may stim, while others may not. Some may stim occasionally and others may stim excessively.
ADHD Stimming vs. Autism Stimming
Stimming is part of the diagnostic criteria forautism spectrum disorder(ASD), but there are differences between this and ADHD stimming.
People with ADHD may stim to help improve focus and impulse control. Autistic people may stim as a coping mechanism to relieve anxiety (soothe), shut out external stimuli, or communicate intense emotions or thoughts.
The stims themselves may be different, too. For example, autistic stimming involves repetitive body movements or actions, such as:
There is no single reason why people with ADHD stim, but there are several theories.
For example, people living with ADHD are said to have differences in brain development and brain activity that affect attention, the ability to sit still, and self-control.Stimming may be a product of this.
Examples of triggers include:
Stimming Can Be a HabitIt’s been said that over time, stimming behaviors may be perceived as pleasurable in and of themselves and repeated for that reason alone.While this refers to stimming in people with autism, it may also be true for people with ADHD who engage in stimming when there is no obvious or apparent trigger.
Stimming Can Be a Habit
It’s been said that over time, stimming behaviors may be perceived as pleasurable in and of themselves and repeated for that reason alone.While this refers to stimming in people with autism, it may also be true for people with ADHD who engage in stimming when there is no obvious or apparent trigger.
If stimming behaviors have become particularly time-consuming or result in self-injury, such as bleeding from skin picking, it is time to talk to a professional.
Not all stimming behaviors require management. It will be up to you and your medical care team to discuss the level at which stimming is interfering with your or your child’s life or causing safety risks.
If stimming is a problem in children, avoid using punishment as a method of trying to control their behavior. Experts discussing stimming behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorder have said this punishment technique doesn’t work.
Medication
Your healthcare provider may suggest stimulant medications, non-stimulant medications, or a combination of both to manage stimming behaviors associated with ADHD.
Therapy
Behavioral therapy may help teach a person to recognize and change unwanted, unhelpful, or undesirable behaviors. Working with a mental health professional who is trained in behavioral therapy can also help a person learn the necessary skills to self-monitor and self-regulate without stimming.
Cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT) goes further in helping a person develop self-awareness. The goal is to accept your thoughts and feelings to improve focus and concentration.
Additional forms of therapymay also be helpful as a part of the largerADHD symptom managementplan. Professional-moderated ADHD support groups can also be beneficial.
Alternative Techniques
In situations where stimming may be disruptive, trying alternative self-regulation techniques may be helpful. For example, deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or fidgeting tools may be effective substitutes for stimming behaviors.
Lifestyle Changes
A healthy lifestyle may help reduce ADHD symptoms and the need for stimming. Lifestyle changes that may contribute to improved self-regulation include:
Executive Function Training
Executive function is a set of skills that allows us to plan ahead and meet goals, display self-control, follow multiple-step directions even when interrupted, and stay focused despite distractions.
Executive function training involves having a professional help people with ADHD develop skills in planning, organization, prioritizing, and time management. Improving these skills may help reduce ADHD symptoms and the need for stimming.
Additional or Education Support
It’s crucial to tell someone if you or a loved one requires extra support in managing stimming triggers and behaviors.
For example, if stimming behaviors at school are disrupting other students or resulting in poor academic progress, anindividualized education program (IEP)or 504 planmay help modify a child’s workload or environment to their benefit.
Certain workplace strategies may help adults manage stimming behaviors. Ask your employer about accommodations like moving to a quieter workspace, work-from-home options, or using noise-canceling headphones.
What Are IEP or 504 Plans?IEPs and 504 plans are formal programs schools develop to accommodate children with disabilities and ensure they are not discriminated against. For example, they can be used to provide an adjusted class schedule that allows time for regular counseling or therapy.
What Are IEP or 504 Plans?
IEPs and 504 plans are formal programs schools develop to accommodate children with disabilities and ensure they are not discriminated against. For example, they can be used to provide an adjusted class schedule that allows time for regular counseling or therapy.
Summary
ADHD stimming is self-stimulating behavior. It may be done to self-soothe or to increase focus and attention. Rocking back and forth, chewing the inside of the cheeks, and humming are just some examples of stimming.
Stimming is not necessarily a concern unless it becomes a problem that interferes with everyday functioning or is unsafe. Stimming can be managed with medication, therapy, and additional support or accommodations if needed.
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).Stimming and fidgeting help some people with ADHD to pay attention.Attention Deficit Disorder Association.ADHD stimming: why it happens and how to cope.National Institute of Mental Health.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder overview.Kapp SK, Steward R, Crane L, et al.‘People should be allowed to do what they like’: Autistic adults' views and experiences of stimming. Autism. 2019 Oct;23(7):1782-1792. doi: 10.1177/1362361319829628American Psychiatric Association.Understanding stimming: repetitive behaviors with a purpose.Nemours Children’s Health.ADHD.Drake Institute of Neurophysical Medicine.What is ADHD stimming?The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Center.Stimming: What is it and does it matter?Cortese S, Adamo N, Del Giovane C, et al.Comparative efficacy and tolerability of medications for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children, adolescents, and adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.Lancet Psychiat. 2018;201;5(9):727-38. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(18)30269-4Harvard University Center on the Developing Child.What is executive function? And how does it relate to child development?U.S. Department of Education.The civil rights of students with hidden disabilities under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).Stimming and fidgeting help some people with ADHD to pay attention.Attention Deficit Disorder Association.ADHD stimming: why it happens and how to cope.National Institute of Mental Health.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder overview.Kapp SK, Steward R, Crane L, et al.‘People should be allowed to do what they like’: Autistic adults' views and experiences of stimming. Autism. 2019 Oct;23(7):1782-1792. doi: 10.1177/1362361319829628American Psychiatric Association.Understanding stimming: repetitive behaviors with a purpose.Nemours Children’s Health.ADHD.Drake Institute of Neurophysical Medicine.What is ADHD stimming?The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Center.Stimming: What is it and does it matter?Cortese S, Adamo N, Del Giovane C, et al.Comparative efficacy and tolerability of medications for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children, adolescents, and adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.Lancet Psychiat. 2018;201;5(9):727-38. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(18)30269-4Harvard University Center on the Developing Child.What is executive function? And how does it relate to child development?U.S. Department of Education.The civil rights of students with hidden disabilities under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).Stimming and fidgeting help some people with ADHD to pay attention.Attention Deficit Disorder Association.ADHD stimming: why it happens and how to cope.National Institute of Mental Health.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder overview.Kapp SK, Steward R, Crane L, et al.‘People should be allowed to do what they like’: Autistic adults' views and experiences of stimming. Autism. 2019 Oct;23(7):1782-1792. doi: 10.1177/1362361319829628American Psychiatric Association.Understanding stimming: repetitive behaviors with a purpose.Nemours Children’s Health.ADHD.Drake Institute of Neurophysical Medicine.What is ADHD stimming?The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Center.Stimming: What is it and does it matter?Cortese S, Adamo N, Del Giovane C, et al.Comparative efficacy and tolerability of medications for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children, adolescents, and adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.Lancet Psychiat. 2018;201;5(9):727-38. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(18)30269-4Harvard University Center on the Developing Child.What is executive function? And how does it relate to child development?U.S. Department of Education.The civil rights of students with hidden disabilities under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).Stimming and fidgeting help some people with ADHD to pay attention.
Attention Deficit Disorder Association.ADHD stimming: why it happens and how to cope.
National Institute of Mental Health.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder overview.
Kapp SK, Steward R, Crane L, et al.‘People should be allowed to do what they like’: Autistic adults' views and experiences of stimming. Autism. 2019 Oct;23(7):1782-1792. doi: 10.1177/1362361319829628
American Psychiatric Association.Understanding stimming: repetitive behaviors with a purpose.
Nemours Children’s Health.ADHD.
Drake Institute of Neurophysical Medicine.What is ADHD stimming?
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Center.Stimming: What is it and does it matter?
Cortese S, Adamo N, Del Giovane C, et al.Comparative efficacy and tolerability of medications for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children, adolescents, and adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.Lancet Psychiat. 2018;201;5(9):727-38. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(18)30269-4
Harvard University Center on the Developing Child.What is executive function? And how does it relate to child development?
U.S. Department of Education.The civil rights of students with hidden disabilities under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
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