Can stimming be dancing or thumb sucking?

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What other things can be considered stimming that usually aren't the first things listed (like hand flapping, rocking)?

I think so. I use to suck my thumb until I was 8.

Stimming can definitely be dancing or thumb sucking.

A very common stim, that people typically aren't first to mention, is jumping. This seems to be amongst the most common stim performed by aspie children. Typically they'll do it when excited, such as while viewing a TV show or movie that brings them much pleasure. Most seem to stop doing it after being caught doing it one too many times.

I was caught doing it a few times as a kid, and I'm still to this day sometimes mocked for it.

Verbal/vocal stims have always been the majority of mine. I was listening to the same music over and over and doing repetitive dances to it for a while, though.

Pretty much anything done to sooth autistic anxiety.

Lots of different things. My main ones are running a particular lock of hair across my lips and sucking my thumb.

Physical movement like running, weight-lifting, skiing, etc., or any kind of other sport performed individually - or others I know well/like - without competition, makes me feel better. I wish I could dance, but I can't, maybe because of autism?

Yep me too when my hair gets long enough and thumb sucking too, I'm not ashamed to admit it. I suck my thumb so much it doesn't look like my other thumb lol.

Last edited by EzraS on 22 Feb 2017, 8:45 am, edited 1 time in total.

I used to jump/hop around a lot as a child. Nowadays I usually just have both of my hands in my hair and scratch/sort through it or just rub my scalp. I'm usually doing that 24/7, though. I will occasionally suck my thumb as well.

I love to dance. I've been doing it more lately because my kids enjoy having a "dance party". But really, I might like it more than them. Sometimes now though I feel almost possessed by the rhythm and don't think I could hold still if I wanted. I think I'm okay at it. But it's not really about skill, more a feeling and letting the music move you. I usually try to be funny too, so that helps and makes it seem like I'm not trying too hard.

My 6 year old, almost 7 still sucks his thumb. I tried everything to stop him years ago. Now that I know he has ASD I feel bad that I did that. He's aware now though and doesn't do it at school.

I think stimming is important. I wouldn't try to stop it now. I have always rocked and I don't know what I would do if someone tried to stop me from it.

Pretty much anything can be stimming if used to self-stimulate. Even if not consciously aware of it.

Mine are different too.

That's amazing! I sucked my thumb well into my teens and after reading these posts I do notice a significant difference between my thumbs as the left (that I sucked) is visably more smooth and slender

However now I insted bite my lip or hold/pinch or play with with my lips with my hands/fingers
a significant increase in socially acceptableness as my parents hated by the thumb sucking

(I'm not diagnosed asd currently)