Marie Camin, neurodivergent psychologist, talks about stimming, community identity, her path to discovering neurodivergence, and harmful stimming approaches. They discuss the purpose and evolution of stimming in psychology, advice for neurodivergent individuals, and the importance of understanding and accepting diverse stimming behaviors.
Neurodivergence fosters unique perspectives and community bonds for individuals navigating the world differently.
Being a neurodivergent psychologist brings challenges of discrimination and pressure to conform, but also benefits of empathetic therapy spaces.
Stimming plays a crucial role in self-regulation and well-being, evolving from misunderstood behavior to vital sensory regulation practice.
Deep dives
Understanding Neurodivergence
Neurodivergence is about perceiving the world uniquely, connecting with a community of like-minded individuals, and finding a sense of belonging. It involves viewing reality, social interactions, and connectivity differently, fostering a strong community among neurodivergent individuals.
Challenges and Rewards of Being a Neurodivergent Psychologist
Being a neurodivergent psychologist presents both challenges and benefits. Clients feel safer to express themselves fully, bringing genuine concerns to therapy sessions when working with therapists who understand their neurodivergence. However, there are hurdles such as facing discrimination, the pressure to conform to typical standards in the field, and potential negative responses from colleagues upon disclosure of one's neurodivergent status.
Exploring Stimming in Autism and ADHD
Stimming, encompassing both repetitive movements and sensory-seeking behaviors, serves key functions in regulating emotions, sensory experiences, and focus. While external perceptions often label stimming as purposeless or rituals, research indicates its significant role in self-regulation and well-being. Empowering neurodivergent individuals to understand and embrace stimming as a vital self-regulatory practice can lead to more inclusive and understanding environments.
Understanding and Managing Stimming Behaviors
People engage in various stimming behaviors like waving hands, watching repetitive movements, or applying pressure to regulate themselves, especially in environments that may overwhelm them. Different physical stims include hair twirling, tapping, or chewing on objects. Recognizing and accommodating these stimming behaviors can help individuals better self-regulate and cope with sensory or emotional challenges.
Evolution of Research on Stimming and Autism
Research on stimming has evolved from viewing it as purposeless to considering it a problem requiring intervention, and now towards a neurodiversity-affirming perspective. Understanding the function of stimming for autistic individuals is key to supporting their sensory regulation needs. Approaches like harm reduction strategies aim to address potentially harmful stimming behaviors, emphasizing providing alternative self-regulation tools while acknowledging the function stimming serves.
On this week’s episode Monique interviews Marie Camin about stimming. Marie is a multiply neurodivergent clinical psychologist, researcher, and a neurodiversity advocate. Marie is currently completing her PhD on Autistic stimming at La Trobe University and she is a Founding Committee Member of the OTARC Autistic Advisory Group; she believes strongly in contributing to a more accurate and affirming understanding of Autistic experiences through co-production with the community. She loves animals, pop culture, and anything creative.
This episode is jam packed with goodies! Monique and Marie cover:
Community as a key part of the neurodivergent identity.
Marie’s experience as a neurodivergent clinical psychologist and her path to discovering her own neurodivergence.
A side quest on special interests.
Everything stimming – what is it, how is it understood (both from a community perspective and based on the DSM), and many examples of what stimming can look like.
The evolution of thinking in the psychological field around the purpose of stimming and responses to stimming.
Harm minimisation approaches for stimming that is harmful to self or others (please be aware that self-harm is mentioned here, and so some listeners may decide to skip this).
Marie’s advice for other neurodivergent folks trying to function in a neuro-normative way.
Want to learn more about Marie or get in touch with her? You can find her through her website here, or on Instagram @mariecamin.
Check out her digital downloads and ND Pride stickers here!
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