Stay calm Concentrate Cope with discomfort or pain Prevent meltdowns Express and manage emotions Communicate
Use subtle stims (e. g. chewing gum rather than loud echolalia) when people are concentrating, such as during a lecture or exam. Step outside to stim a little if you need to. Don’t stim with other people’s clothing or body parts (like hair) unless you’re sure it’s okay. Some people might not feel comfortable asking you to stop.
Plenty of people don’t care at all whether you fidget in public.
People tend to care less than you might think. It is absolutely okay to stim in public for any reason—for fun, for concentration, for staving off meltdowns, or for whatever. Do what makes you comfortable. [4] X Research source
Snow globes Lava lamps Mobiles (A mobile of planets is considered socially acceptable for older ages. ) Glitter jar (made from water, glitter glue, food coloring, and glitter)
The “Mesmerizing Gifs” and “loadingicon” threads on Reddit contain plenty of gifs. [6] X Research source [7] X Research source (Some may be unsuitable for people with photosensitive epilepsy. ) You can also find videos of objects or people spinning.
Try moving colored paper or translucent objects over flashlights to see cool colors and patterns. Download light- and pattern-related games onto your mobile device, such as a firework-generating app.
Repeat things that you need to remember, such as material from your exam study guide. Repeat something nice someone said to you. Repeat something you read.
Sugar free gum will not cause cavities.
Stress balls and rubber sea urchins Tangles Chains of key rings Slinkies Coil bracelets or beaded bracelets Fidget cubes Balloon filled with a fistful of flour
Get a weighted blanket. Put on a weighted lap pad or large beanbag. Use a massage roller. Put your hand or finger inside a heavy book, and close it. (Other people may assume that you’re just holding your place. ) Rub a surgical brush over your skin. Put a pillow on yourself, and place a heavy object (e. g. a dictionary) on top. Make sure that you are able to lift it off yourself, or that someone else is nearby so they can help you if needed.
You can also squeeze yourself if nobody else is available.
Small trampolines are portable and can be leaned against a wall for storage. Some of them have handles to help you keep your balance.
Rock in a rocking chair Bounce on an exercise ball Pace
If you flap your hands/arms, people will usually be able to tell you are disabled. Whether this is good or bad is for you to decide.
Stay safe! Watch out for obstacles like sharp corners. If you get too dizzy, stop and take a break. This is especially fun in a long skirt or dress.
