ADHD and Stimming

🌀 What these free mini Worksheets cover

This guide explains stimming—repetitive movements or sounds—as a valid and often unconscious form of self-regulation for people with ADHD. It aims to reduce stigma and help people support themselves and others in stimming-friendly ways.

📚 Key Sections

• What Is Stimming?
• Stimming is a natural response that helps regulate energy, focus, emotions, and sensory input.
• Common ADHD Stims
• Includes tactile (twirling hair, tapping), vestibular (rocking, pacing), vocal (humming), visual (blinking), and other (fidgeting, doodling).
• What It Helps With
• Managing overwhelm
• Regulating attention
• Processing emotions
• Sensory soothing
• Creating rhythm and grounding
• When a Stim Feels Distressing
• If stimming causes harm (e.g., skin picking), the worksheet suggests:
• Identifying the need behind it
• Trying safer alternatives
• Seeking ADHD-aware support
• How to Support Others Who Stim
• Respect it
• Don’t draw attention unless it causes harm
• Offer tools and breaks
• Educate to reduce stigma
• Building a Stimming-Friendly Life
• Keep sensory tools handy
• Make space for subtle movements
• Reclaim quiet sounds (like humming)
• Pay attention to where you feel safe stimming
• Reflection Questions
• Journaling prompts to explore shame, safety, needs, and self-acceptance around stimming.
• Support for Allies, Parents, Teachers
• Don’t point it out
• Normalize movement
• Offer gentle curiosity (“Want something to fidget with?”)
• Model acceptance
• Conversation Starters
• Language that affirms and supports rather than polices or corrects stimming.
• 30-Second Stimming Reset
• A quick grounding exercise to reconnect with what your body might need through motion or sensation.