Many outside the autism community are often not aware of what stimming is specifically. Sometimes, those who don’t understand its need push for it not to be displayed by individuals in the outside world. While there can be harmful stimming, tools can help prevent it from becoming a barrier to a successful life. It sometimes takes those who know us to gauge what forms traditional stimming and what does not.

Autistic individuals can experience many stims. Nonetheless, some stims can become known as one’s trademark stim. While there is a push for autistic people to be authentic and live their way, certain interventions can help. For example, medication can control stimming. This helps individuals achieve the quality of life they need to finish tasks typical in the neurotypical world. It can improve life for both the individual and those working with them.

One of my biggest stims is humming. I always thought I was a “hummer.” This was because my family had always told me so. This changed when I became educated on what stimming was. I began to notice the intensity of stimming when I engaged in activities that I enjoyed. These activities made me happy. It was something that sometimes made me frustrated. Back then, I was unwilling to accept things for what they were. But I never realized the impact things like medication can have. They can go a long way in reducing my stimming. They make life better for me.

There can be a difference between when someone does something that is needed. It differs from when they do something that creates a barrier. This barrier can hinder their ability to do something necessary for success in the outside world. Years ago, when I was a teenager, there was a strong push. People advocated for various reasons to improve different aspects of life. Due to this, I was not adequately educated. I was unaware of the value of the medication, which became a constant battle for several years. This struggle began when I started living independently.

For decades, I believed the particular medication I was battling with was used for just one thing. I led myself to think this way. The fear of taking it without understanding its full benefits caused me to struggle. I didn’t consistently adhere to the medication, living in fear and lacking understanding of its importance. I realized that maintaining consistency, even when challenges arise, is better than ignoring its other benefits. This includes how it made my stimming more visible.

Others see and know when it happens more that I am not taking my medication. I needed to have a hard conversation with someone who values me. I value this person just as much as they value me. This conversation helped me see the harm it was causing. It also highlighted their fear. They were concerned because of my disregard to do the right thing. Over time, I noticed increased stimming. I was initially reluctant to face it. Gradually, I accepted the situation. I worked to dispel other beliefs I had about the medication I was resisting.

There is a need for autism awareness and acceptance. Slogans like ‘Just stim bro’ do not apply to everyone on the autism spectrum. Autism is not experienced the same way by any two people, even if they are related by blood. Even though I never really saw what my medication was helping, I knew taking it managed my stimming. This allowed me to have the life I needed.