I'm stimming a lot. Does it mean I have some form of autism?

Post Reply New Topic

Hello guys.

First of all, sorry if I'm offending anybody by using stereotype or incorrect facts about people with aspergers or autism in this topic. Feel free to correct me.

All my life I've shown strange behaviour, which I now, in my 20's, have recognised as stimming. I don't believe my behaviour fits with OCD or Tic disorders. I read that stimming is a way to stimulate the senses, and that its often seen in autistic people. That it can be done by smelling, seeing and feeling among other things. That rocking around your room feeling very excited, flapping your hands, is stimming. I do all of these things. On a daily basis. I like to touch my nose, smell my fingers. I like to play with a cord in my hand while daydreaming, or having some kind of fantasy. It relaxes me. Sometimes, when I get excited while having a daydream, I have to jump around, and make funny faces. While flapping my hands. I can control this behaviour when I'm around other people.

Some other stuff that might be important: I'm already diagnosed with social anxiety disorder. However, it's not generalised social anxiety. I think. I can have fun with people, I understand that having a joke together creates bonds and I like to joke around with people. I understand irony and sarcasm. I use irony and sarcasm all the time. However, sometimes I do feel like there is nobody in this world I'm connected to, and I will never be. At these moments, I don't think any person in this world means more than dust to me. Although these thoughts could be because of moodswings. I read that Aspie's and Autists often like to follow strict patterns in their lives - I'm the opposite, I'm quite flexible and every day can be different for me.

Another interesting fact: I strongly believe I have ADHD - Predominantly Inattentive. And I know that it has similarities with Asperger's and Autism. I filled in a test with my therapist and they allowed me to submit myself for the ADHD research program. In a few months they're going to check me.

So - although I have social anxiety - I don't believe that my social capabilities are limited. Only the stimming is something that troubles me, and I know that I have ADHD-PI characteristics that also might be seen in the spectrum disorders. Is stimming seen in people who don't have Asperger's or any form of autism?

Thank you for reading and replying.

there are always exceptions, you will not find a textbook example of someone with autism (showing all symptoms)

I use sarcasm and irony all the time, but I don't get it when other people do.

I would await the outcome of the ADHD diagnosis. I subscribe to the view that ADHD-PI and aspergers are the same condition.

Jason

You seem to have some autistic traits, so doesn't that make you autistic in some form or another? Autism isn't a black and white disorder, it affects people in drastically different ways and to different degrees. I'm kind of similar to you in some ways- I understand and use sarcasm a fair amount, and like making and laughing at jokes. However, I have a slightly unusual way of interacting with people, and have a very hard time socializing with people I don't know well(I get nervous and don't know what to do).

There are people who stim who aren't autistic.

if you click on there name it tells you in your profile

You sound like me, maybe you have NVLD?

Stimming is a sign of Sensory Processing Disorder. Virtually all autistics have SPD, but not everyone with SPD is autistic.

First of all, to answer your question: no! Even if you only have one of the most major signs of Autism, doesn't necessarily mean that you have any kind of Autism. It may be just (as you put it) ADHD-PI?! Because people with ADHD are very impulsive, figitey (they move around a lot) it could LOOK like stimming? But stimming is even more random, impulsive & compulsive than what people with ADHD do to keep themselves occupied (aka: distracted from the task at hand!)- THAT is the difference between ADHD & Autism (& AS)! !!

I urge you to take a neuro-exam (neurological exam), to be REALLY tested- OFFICIALLY!!

Stimming just on its own is called "stereotypic movement disorder".

Does this sound a bit like what you're talking about?
http://www.behavenet.com/stereotypic-movement-disorder

Notice criterion B: You can only diagnose this if there's injury involved or if the stimming interferes with your daily life in some way. Otherwise, it's a quirk that psychologists don't concern themselves with--quirks aren't pathological and you can't diagnose somebody just for being nerdy, odd, or eccentric.

So unless this is actually causing problems for you, you're probably better off just ignoring it.