Stimming is a Superpower (Or: Why I Can’t Keep My Hands Still and That’s Okay)

If you are reading this, there is a strong statistical probability that you are currently bouncing your leg.

Or chewing a pen cap.

Or twirling your hair.

Or doing that thing where you click your teeth together to the beat of a song that has been stuck in your head since 2008.

Welcome to the club. It’s called Stimming (Self-Stimulatory Behavior), and for a long time, it got a bad rap.

If you grew up neurodivergent, you probably heard the phrase “Quiet Hands” or “Sit still!” more times than you heard “I love you.” (Okay, that’s dark, but you get the point). We were taught that moving our bodies was “distracting” or “weird.”

But here is the truth: Stimming isn’t a glitch in the system. It’s the cooling fan that keeps the engine from overheating.

Why We Wiggle

Neurotypical people stim too—they tap their feet when they’re impatient or pace when they’re on the phone. But for Autistic and ADHD brains, stimming is essential for regulation.

Think of your brain like a soda bottle. Every sensory input, social interaction, and stressful email adds pressure to the bottle.

If you keep the cap screwed on tight (by forcing yourself to sit perfectly still), eventually… kaboom. Meltdown city.

Stimming is how we slowly unscrew the cap to let the fizz out.

  • Rocking soothes the vestibular system.
  • Hand flapping releases excess energy (especially joy!).
  • Humming creates vibration that grounds us.

It’s not “bad behavior.” It’s biology. It’s your brain’s way of saying, “I am regulating myself so I can function in this chaotic world.”

The Magic of “Happy Flaps”

We talk a lot about stimming to manage stress, but can we talk about Autistic Joy?

Because there is no joy quite like it.

When the food is perfect, or the texture is right, or you finally find a limited edition collectible for your special interest… the feeling is too big for your body.

You have to flap. You have to jump. You have to make a noise.

It is pure, unfiltered electric happiness. Why on earth would we want to suppress that?

How to Stim Safely (and Stylishly)

Part of unmasking is giving yourself permission to move. If you need to pace during a meeting to listen better? Do it. If you need to wear a hoodie so you can rub the soft fleece when you’re anxious? Do it.

We actually design a lot of our gear with Tactile Stimming in mind.

  • The Sleeves: Our hoodies have extra-long, cuffed sleeves. Perfect for “paws” (pulling your hands inside) or just rubbing the fabric when the world gets too loud.
  • The Texture: We avoid the “scratchy-cheap-print” feeling. If it’s not soft enough to pet, we don’t sell it.

The Bottom Line

If you are a heavy stimmer, you might feel self-conscious in public. You might try to make your movements smaller or hide your fidget toys under the desk.

Consider this your permission slip to stop hiding.

Wiggle your legs.

Flap your hands.

Rock back and forth.

Your body knows what it needs. Listen to it. And if anyone stares? Just tell them you’re calibrating your sensors.

Need something soft to stim with?

☁️ Check out our Sensory-Friendly Hoodie Collection.

(Warning: They are extremely pattable).