>> Oh, this just... it was exactly what I needed to read, today, <<
Yay!
>> thank you, to be reminded that it's okay to stim, because I've just realized that I shouldn't be biting my lip bloody. <<
*sigh* I just came across a reference that disabled children become violent when people refuse to respect their boundaries and won't take "no" or pulling away for an answer, so they start biting or hitting in self-defense. And I've seen lots of references to self-injury in the same context: it's what people do after other means of self-regulation have been taken away.
Ideally, a stim should be soothing, not cause injuries, and not make a racket that distracts other people. (If others are embarrassed or uncomfortable simply because someone is different, that is their problem.) Given a current mildly destructive stim such as lip-nibbling, I'd say look at the kind of chewy necklaces that have beads.
There are many other chewies such as pendants or pencil toppers, but lip-nibbling corresponds closely to manipulating one bead at a time. If you think you could transpose the action to your fingers, however, consider gemstone malas.
>> Your writing is always perfectly timed with what I need to read, it's magical. You are a rockstar. *pulls out the little metal acorn I keep in my purse* THANKS! -kellyc <<
Thoughts
Yay!
>> thank you, to be reminded that it's okay to stim, because I've just realized that I shouldn't be biting my lip bloody. <<
*sigh* I just came across a reference that disabled children become violent when people refuse to respect their boundaries and won't take "no" or pulling away for an answer, so they start biting or hitting in self-defense. And I've seen lots of references to self-injury in the same context: it's what people do after other means of self-regulation have been taken away.
Ideally, a stim should be soothing, not cause injuries, and not make a racket that distracts other people. (If others are embarrassed or uncomfortable simply because someone is different, that is their problem.) Given a current mildly destructive stim such as lip-nibbling, I'd say look at the kind of chewy necklaces that have beads.
http://www.stimtastic.co/stim-jewelry/chewable-gem-beads-necklace
http://www.arktherapeutic.com/arks-krypto-bite-chewable-gem-necklace/
https://www.amazon.com/Silicone-Sensory-Autism-Chewable-Necklace/dp/B00KA9Y5IY/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1482870421&sr=8-3&keywords=Chewelry
http://www.array-gifts.com/shop/chew-beads-jane-necklace/
There are many other chewies such as pendants or pencil toppers, but lip-nibbling corresponds closely to manipulating one bead at a time. If you think you could transpose the action to your fingers, however, consider gemstone malas.
https://saltspringmalas.com/product-category/mala-beads-bracelets/page/2/
http://www.tibetanmalashop.com/malas/mala-bracelet/
https://saltspringmalas.com/product-category/mala-bracelet-traditional/
>> Your writing is always perfectly timed with what I need to read, it's magical. You are a rockstar. *pulls out the little metal acorn I keep in my purse* THANKS! -kellyc <<
*bow, flourish* Happy to be of service.