Family complaining - Am I stimming? Or why am I doing this..

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MrJosh
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Joined: 20 Nov 2011
Age: 36
Gender: Male
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26 Dec 2011, 5:41 pm

Ok, So my family complain that everyday I drum, tap and make noises (sometimes verbally too).

E.g. I drum tap and make noises like 'BEEEEP' is one example...

I've always done it, since as early as I remember, I'm not sure why.

I have suspected that I have an ASD but not actually approached the doctor or anything, but I was wondering if this may be stimming?

Any ideas? I'm not asking for a diagnosis, but perhaps experience sharing would be good.

I seem to subconciously control it when in public, but when in company of close family and friends, I just do it...

They find it really distracting at times too, sometimes when they complain I didn't actually realise I was doing it...

I also fidget a lot too, but this is less distracting than the tapping/drumming etc...



btbnnyr
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26 Dec 2011, 6:03 pm

Repetitive movements and noises that you make by default when you are relaxed and not anxious are what I think of as autistic stimming that is different from the stimming that many people do in response to anxiety. Do you feel physically uncomfortable, but not really emotionally distressed or anxious, when you purposefully repress all stimming? Perhaps like you are being physically crushed or pressed? Or like you are trying your hardest to hold something highly energetic within your body? How long can you go without any stimming at all? These are only my experiences with stimming, but perhaps they are similar to yours.