Interesting, I only very recently learned I have actually been autistic, finally explaining the weirdness of my past three decades+, so I am not knowledgeable about what language might be preferrable. Self-stimulating behaviour? I can only speak for myself that I actually do like the term, to me, it has a nice sound, one of those words that, to me, feels good to repeat aloud to myself.
Its becoming a common term that you likely won’t face much pushback over, I just personally take issue with it in regards to ADHD.
There are many people that see the perscribed stimulants we use to medicate, as no different then the ones which are often abused to get high. Essentially, that we’re drug addicts. I’ve dealt with them before.
When you’re medicated with stimulants, telling people that you’re “stimming” doesn’t really help to dissuade the negative connotations.
While it would be nice to disregard those people, many that I’ve dealt with have been in critical positions, such as managers, or on one occasion, even a doctor.
As frustrating as it is, optics matter.
There are many people that see the perscribed stimulants we use to medicate, as no different then the ones which are often abused to get high.
I mean, there is little difference between the two. The main difference is the usage. One is a medicinal use, the other is a recreational use (or abuse). People should learn to make that distinction. Cocaine is used as a local numbing agent in eye surgery. Morphine (heroine) is used as a painkiller. We should not give in to the morons who for whatever reason say our medicinal use is invalid or wrong.
