This is one of the most common autistic traits. Self stimulatory behaviour (or "stimming") is instinctively used by autistic people to help them relax and focus. If you're worried about it being noticeable, or want to resort to something that isn't biting your nails, then a lot of people use fidget toys. My favourite is the flippy chain: https://www.amazon.com/Toms-Fidgets-Flippy-Perfect-Anxiety/dp/B01MAYBTA0
i have a nervous skin picking/nail biting habit, and since school stresses me out my hands get destroyed, but one thing ive been using is a little small like fidget toy (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MAYBTA0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_5HKF19HVRXKMG08F1M1E) and it helps, but i forget it a lot bc its so small, but yeah its good for me at least
edit: i also use rings but i dont wear them often bc im genderfluid lol
Bike chain fidgets like these are pretty great
My therapist has a cube in their office and I love playing with it. I have this fidget at home and I really like that one.
I bought the two pack and absolutely loved it because it fit in my pocket and I could play with it during classes and even exams without anyone caring. My girlfriend has anxiety and stole my spare! I'm slightly embarrassed to admit the side of my thumb has calloused from flipping it all day
Fidgeting can be helpful!! When I was in college the only way I could study was if I was in the gym on a stationary bike lol. The extra movement helps to keep your head on the not-so-interesting topic by adding other forms of stimulation.
Maybe try getting a small fidget toy and using it in your hands under the desk so you don't have to worry about disrupting others (if that's a concern for you). I like this one , personally!
I absolutely love my bike chain fidgets and they’re super quiet! I bought these and they are smoother than the cheap ones I bought.
I also really like bic Atlantis pens b/c the clicker part is super quiet.
Well I have a small ring to attach my mini pry bar because I think the extra pivot point increases its functionality, I have an extra ring attaching my pill fob because the hole on it is too small to fit on my main ring, have a ring on the opposite side of my quick release, and have this absurd thing attaches via a small carabiner for my fidget needs. Counting the main key ring that brings me to six of them.
Iv owned a few spinners, some very expensive ones. But this floppy chain toy is actually my favorite. So cheap aswell. Should Definitly get one even if you find something else.
I used to be a skin picker, cuticle picker, leg shaker, doodle drawer, lip biter and more. Once fidgets became a thing and I realized that I was in fact adHd, I purchased multiple little fidgets to try. This little bugger stuck with me for a few years:
https://www.amazon.com/Toms-Fidgets-Flippy-Perfect-Anxiety/dp/B01MAYBTA0
I still shake my legs sometimes, but it beats bleeding lips and fingers.
Get him a really soft hoodie (maybe find a Metallica hoodie or something) because that’s something he can really use and enjoy, then get him candy or something fun like that! Something that’ll just make him smile.
If he’s looking for fidget toys, a yo-yo is a fantastic one for standing and/or pacing, but for sitting down, fidget cubes or stress balls or, my personal favorite, some of these things. I found a three pack and I keep one at my desk, one in my purse, and I have one more for when I lose one.
I just got a flippy chain from Tom's Fidgets and I really like it! It seemed a little too simple and rudimentary at first, to the point I felt kinda disappointed. But I just started flipping it and before I knew it I had been using it all day throughout the day. Idk what it is but it gets the job done in a simple way. Plus it's only $8
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MAYBTA0?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I like these. They are small and I found they work just fine in my office. https://www.amazon.ca/Flippy-Chain-Fidget-Stress-Reducer/dp/B01MAYBTA0
Also: play-doh, kinetic sand, or putty.
I have a few that I like, some of which others have mentioned.
Bike Chain Fidget - Simple, tactile, initially cold to the touch. Can be fidgeted with one hand and discreetly. It's my current favorite.
Spinners - they've become pretty ubiquitous. I'm sure you've heard of them and probably even seen them around.
Fidget Cube - Get the legitimate, high-quality one from Antsy Labs, or get a cheap knock-off from Amazon or eBay. Someone also developed a 12-sided fidget dice thing that takes the fidget cube idea a step further. And a fidget pad which is a cross between a SNES controller and a fidget cube. (I'm still waiting for my cube from Antsy Labs.)
Tangle, Tangle Jr. - Good desk toy. Keeps both hands busy, but leaves you free to look and listen. There are several variants, including textured pieces and silicone-covered pieces. My wife, my daughter, and I each have our own.
Bead + String fidget - This one can be fun, but it's VERY distracting for everyone around you. The best thing about it is that you can make one from two beads and a string in a couple minutes. I've thought about making a string that is mostly beads each with a different surface texture, and instead of swinging it around you just fidget with it in your hand. I need to get around to making that...
Wooden Fidget Puzzle - Just picked this one up a couple days ago. It's small, it's interesting, it has lots of possible configurations. It's good when you need to listen but don't need your hands or your eyes free.
A few things I do...
All this is easier said than done and I am still struggling. But good luck and welcome!
Yup, just a fidget toy.
https://www.amazon.com/Toms-Fidgets-Flippy-Perfect-Anxiety/dp/B01MAYBTA0
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Yup, just a fidget toy.
https://www.amazon.com/Toms-Fidgets-Flippy-Perfect-Anxiety/dp/B01MAYBTA0
Just a fidget toy
https://www.amazon.com/Toms-Fidgets-Flippy-Perfect-Anxiety/dp/B01MAYBTA0
This is my favorite.
https://www.amazon.com/Toms-Fidgets-Flippy-Perfect-Anxiety/dp/B01MAYBTA0
Flippy chain fidget is quiet.
Maybe metal rings.
I got my bf this for Christmas and it's still one of his favorite fidget toys. They're super quiet too.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MAYBTA0/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_6YDB7KNB381Z9RR9VXSX
https://www.amazon.com/Toms-Fidgets-Flippy-Perfect-Anxiety/dp/B01MAYBTA0/
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There's some videos on this site of people using it! Maybe it helps ^^
https://www.amazon.com/Toms-Fidgets-Flippy-Perfect-Anxiety/dp/B01MAYBTA0/
I have a couple of these - unobtrusive, virtually silent, made of rubber and metal so it feels nice to me
It's a bike chain fidget.
This thing is pretty quiet and is actually one of my favorite fidgets.
Tom's Fidgets Original Flippy Chain Fidget Toy - Perfect for ADHD, Anxiety, and Autism - Bike Chain Fidget Stress Reducer for Adults and Kids - Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MAYBTA0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_N1BQ778NYDJ4C35GP6PX?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Also this thing is not too loud.
Fidget Toy(Package of 10, 10 Colors) Stress Relieve Toy, Focus Enhance, Relieves Stress and Increase Focus for Adults and Children, has Helped with ADHD ADD OCD Autism https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08F7R89YB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_2BQQN5KKA83C616EVDPJ
…Both of these do make some noise but not a lot.
Sounds like you could try something to keep your hands busy. I use this method and it sometimes helps me avoid a binge.
Get a fidget toy of some sort. Like “Tom’s fidget toy”
https://www.amazon.com/Toms-Fidgets-Flippy-Perfect-Anxiety/dp/B01MAYBTA0
Or also try a worry stone
https://www.amazon.com/CrystalTears-Tigers-Gemstone-Healing-Crystals/dp/B01MV3E6F1
This is my favorite