stimming

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i'm sort of new to thinking of my odd collection of differences/struggles as being some form of autism, and i'm sort of confused with the concept of stimming. so i was wondering if this would be considered stimming? i have really fine hair, and it still feels super smooth and soft, and i can't stop smelling the ends, feeling the smoothness with my fingers and putting the ends in my mouth. when i state it like that...how autistic do i sound...?

I'm not sure if I would consider that either stimming, or a sensory thing - or maybe a mix of both?

Thats only my thoughts though.

well i do it repeatedly and compulsively sometimes. like i'm when agitated as a way to deal with emotions i guess. i thought it was sensory, but i do it repeatedly and can't seem to stop sometimes. so maybe sensory then?

I have read that people do stim with their hair (twirling it, even pulling it out) but the way you described it sounds like it could be a sensory thing. Although I'm sure other people will probably be able to give a better opinion than myself on this.

LizNY, I think the most important is your own opinion.

People stim for different reasons--sensory stimulation, mental stimulation, comfort/self-soothing, or simply because it feels good.

Sounds like stimming to me. Almost all of my stimming is done for the sensation (sensory). Rocking, flapping hands, etc...I do them because of how they make me feel.

should i mention that i do this stuff at work...? that i sit at my desk and feel my hair while trying to not do these odd things..?

This is my favorite answer for the question

It's okay to do those "odd things", if the only reason why you're not doing it is because it's odd.

well, i try to not do it, because it's odd for someone who is 34 years old to feel compelled to play with her hair all the time. i feel a LOT of stress at work and at most social arrangements. i often find myself holding my breath and consciously reminding myself to breath normally and have the appropriate facial expression, etc etc. and stuff like this helps me to feel more relaxed i guess.

I play with my hair too. It's definitly stimming to me