WonderWoman wrote:
Do you think chewing gum constantly counts? I do this at work when I'm working alone in my office. Gross habit, but it helps keep me focused. (I thought I didn't do stimming. Maybe I do?)
Hmmm....maybe! Cute question, WonderWoman. One inhabitant said his 'stim' is sunflower seeds (yes, really)! Why not? I think chewing gum can then count as stimming, sort-of. He wrote, about his sunflower seed stim, "It's Snackactivity." Hah hah!
I do stim. Stimercise. I mostly like to stim in the lab and I sort-of twist/rock. I can since the radio is usually on anyway so I'm considered rather dancey.
Nothing wrong with chewing gum if this keeps you focused. I rarely chew gum, but I'm partial to juicy fruit.
OP: 'Flapping' is just a form of stimming. Some Autists 'flap' their hands, especially when nervous. I generally do not, and really never have. Sometimes if I'm excited I'll clap quietly, which might the equivalent. Flapping is just a common way to stim. But stimming can manifest in a myriad of ways (ie: chewing gum

, sunflower seeds........)
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The ones who say “You can’t” and “You won’t” are probably the ones scared that you will. - Unknown