Could it be a stim to do something as a way to combat minor irritants before they become overwhelming? For example, I find grinding/droning noises (example: blenders and vacuum cleaners) irritating, they make my ears physically feel uncomfortable. The longer I hear them the worse it gets and it will start to be very upsetting to me. Ive noticed recently (over the course of about the last two years?) that I don't mind using the vacuum or blender as much. (Part 1)
Now, I’ve been in choirs/singing classes for about 5 years. I’ve gotten better and more confident and now I really like my voice so I sing a lot anyway. But I realized (I didn’t consciously notice it until about 6-8 months ago) that what’s been making it easier is that whenever I hear those noises/do those tasks I start singing songs of specific melodic quality and note range under my breath and I can just… (Part 2)
hide under the sound? I don’t even need to drown the noise out I just take comfort in my own voice (Part 3- done)
Yes, that would be an example of stimming to regulate sensory input.
-Liz
