Is it "Stim-worthy"?

 

After knowing many children with sensory-related disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorders, I came up with the phrase "Stim-worthy". This is an explanation of my choice of words;

 

 According to Wikipedia, "Stimming is a repetitive body movement, such as hand flapping. The term is shorthand for self-stimulation. Repetitive movement, or stereotypy, is often referred to as stimming under the hypothesis that it has a function related to sensory input.

 

In many situations, an item is chosen that provides needed sensory input to an individual with sensory differences. I came up with the phrase, "Stim-worthy" after taking note of which items my son "stims" on. My son licks as a form of self-stimulation. Below are pictures of Luke with items that he finds "Stim-worthy";

 

 

 Luke will climb to great heights in order to gain access to baskets. He studies them and licks them repeatedly.

 Luke's love of the cd player is two fold- He enjoys the vibration of the music when it is playing. He also likes to lick the speakers.

 This is another basket that Luke enjoys. He fell asleep with this one on his head.

 Luke's most favored items are shoes. He will go to great lengths to find shoes to scratch and lick.

 Music is stimulating in itself. Luke will often pick one or two notes to play over and over again.

Luke enjoyed the metal box top he has in his hand. He took it everywhere until he left it on the bus. He then moved on to other "stim-worthy" objects. They are listed below;

 

-light up toys that spin

-toys that produce music

-metal objects

-my curly hair

-solo cups

-paper plates

-cardboard

-plastic bags or crinkly plastic

-mini-crates

-plastic container lids

-CD's and their cases

-computer keyboard

-The Pirate Song by the Backyardigans

-spinning in an office chair

-plastic tires on toys

-sippie cup

 

 

There are many other items that I am sure I am missing. Each child with  sensory-related disabilities has a very specific list of "stim-worthy" items. As a therapist, it is my job to know these items. They provide motivation for behaviors the therapist is wanting to teach.

 

 

So, tell me your opinion-

What do you think of my choice phrase?

Do you understand?

I welcome comments and criticism.