Please help - I'm so puzzled...

My 5 year old son has had a repetitive "tick" from the time he was an infant that presents itself (mostly) when excited or concentrating.  He rocks forward and pumps his hands in toward his body then away.  He does this at leas a dozen times a day.  I realize this is textbook "stimming", however, he has no issues with social situations (he is very popular in his school and seeks out friends), he is compassionate and empathetic toward others, makes eye contact, and is overall a happy boy.  No behavioural issues or trouble in school / caregiver setting.  We took him to a developmental pediatrician yesterday, and they (based primarily on video of the stimming) think he may have Aspergers.  Are there other syndromes that primarily focus around stimming?  The foundation of an Aspergers diagnosis appears to be social, but we have no concerns in this regard, so the possible diagnosis is quite confusing.  We took him to the doctor because of his physical tick...now having a possible Aspergers diagnosis is a shock.

Parents
  • Thank you for your post.  We have looked at touretts as well, but it just doesn't seem to fit.  His stimms are specific and come about when excited (usually).  Doctor did think his eye contact was lacking, but outside of this appointment, we have not felt it is an issue.  It didn't seem unusual to me that a 5 year old boy in a small room with three doctors was feeling a little intimidated and scared.  I appreciate hearing from you - it helps just to interact with someone about this.

Reply
  • Thank you for your post.  We have looked at touretts as well, but it just doesn't seem to fit.  His stimms are specific and come about when excited (usually).  Doctor did think his eye contact was lacking, but outside of this appointment, we have not felt it is an issue.  It didn't seem unusual to me that a 5 year old boy in a small room with three doctors was feeling a little intimidated and scared.  I appreciate hearing from you - it helps just to interact with someone about this.

Children
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