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Son stimming

Smw13

hi, my son is 7 and has autism. Since going back to school he has developed a kind of twitch. It's really hard to explain but he kind of tips his head over to one shoulder, then the other, then kind of juts his chin out. He was only doing it once at any time but several times throughout the day, but now he will do the routine over and over. I think he does it most when tired or stressed but I can't be sure. He says he likes doing it when I asked initially but I'm not sure he is aware of doing it if I don't point it out. When he was younger he used to kind of verbally stim, e.g. He would hear a non word or a sound and repeat it over and over, but he's never physically stimmed so I'm not sure what to do. Is it stimming? And if so how do I approach it? I don't mind him stimming and understands it helps, but kids can be cruel and I didn't know if I should try and encourage something more discreet? Sorry for the long post and lots of questions, I'm not sure how to handle this. Thanks 

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  • Former Member
    Former Member

    Actually I don't think it is stimming. One or two adults ( me included) have talked about this type of physical occurrence. I don't know much about it and certainly haven't read about it happening in someone so young. You have almost directly described what happens to me and I'm 55. I can't say how many years it's happened for but mostly 40's and 50's. I eventually decided it happens when I am very tired, very stressed, too much social stimulation. I'm not sure about other circumstances. I'm not always aware I'm doing it. It is uncomfortable and very tiring. It's sort of like hiccups because it just keeps repeating itself whether I want it to or not. I've heard it called a tremor or a tic but I don't really know what it is or what causes it to happen. I do know I have to rest more when it does. However your sons might be something completely different. I would try to speak to the person who diagnosed your son or ask your Gp to refer to a neurologist ( try to take video footage to show them). It could also be the stimming you mentioned or a behaviour he has seen at school and copied but doesn't sound like that to me. I did go to a neurologist about it once but I couldn't show him when I had the apt. Not had the energy to pursue it since. If you find out more I'd be very grateful if you would post it for me on here. 

  • in reply to Former Member

    Thank you for replying and for your advice. Having never had my son stimming before I didn't know if I was dealing with stimming now. I will continue to look into it and let you know if I find anything out. Thanks 

  • Former Member
    Former Member in reply to Smw13

    Thanks that would be good. As he has just started back at school after the holidays it may be that he is extra tired at the moment or just settling back into the school environment. However if something is not quite right at school that may also bring on such an action. I hope you find the answer and able to help him. Perhaps as you said if you notice him doing it you could try engaging him in alternative activity he likes or help him to express his emotions in a different way. 

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  • Former Member
    Former Member in reply to Smw13

    Thanks that would be good. As he has just started back at school after the holidays it may be that he is extra tired at the moment or just settling back into the school environment. However if something is not quite right at school that may also bring on such an action. I hope you find the answer and able to help him. Perhaps as you said if you notice him doing it you could try engaging him in alternative activity he likes or help him to express his emotions in a different way. 

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