USB cable used as stimming device

This simple USB cable served several functions for its former owner Rafiqah Abdullah, an autistic, transgender activist of Filipino heritage. It not only served her as a phone charger and device connector, but also a stimming device to relieve stress.

Stimming is one of many behaviours associated with autism – it can look like fidgeting, humming, flapping hands, rocking, even hair twirling or nail biting, and is done to relieve stress or as an outlet for excitement.

‘I see it as self-expression’, says Rafiqah. ‘Growing up, I used to cut paper and clap. I used to get punished for doing so. Even in my adulthood (my 20s) my mother would still hit me with a fly swat and call me an embarrassment for stimming. Stimming is considered "weird" and "abnormal". So correcting this behaviour often includes physical, mental and emotional abuse.
 
‘After moving away from my family home, I was able to freely stim and relieve stress. Despite being "free" now, past traumas and present prejudices make mask my behaviours to an extent. I'm still very careful and spent years looking for items that look inconspicuous. This mundane item isn't only an important lifeline to keep my phone alive. But an important tool in managing my stress levels and maintaining my well-being while not being “in people’s faces”.'

This object is revealing of the complex strategies deployed by autistic people like Rafiqah to manage their own wellbeing in a society which often stigmatises Autistic behaviours as aberrant. Over the years, Rafiqah has grown less concerned about what others think of her behaviour and uses a variety of items to openly stim.