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ryan2099
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18 Aug 2007, 3:30 am

I'm a bit confused about stimming... I am recently diagnosed aspie, 35, and had assumed I did not do stimming, but now I'm not so sure, and am wondering about the definition. I searched the forum, and that only raised more questions...

When I thought of stimming I thought of someone unable to stop themselves from doing the finger flapping, etc. they mention in most Asperger's definitions. I have a tendency to rapidly shake my foot or bounce my leg, especially when my body and mind is otherwise not doing much of anything, but it's not a constant thing, and seems totally under my control (not a required compulsion). Does this count as stimming?

And I know stimming is "physical", but what about non-physical activity? I *must* constantly have the tv or talk radio on, and the need is not for "new" information. In fact I prefer "old" information, since that does not require as much of my attention. For example, I listen to old time radio shows, and will listen to ones I've heard many times before (but don't misunderstand, I don't listen to the same one over and over, but most will be ones I already know, but haven't heard for weeks or months). This seems to serve the same function as stimming. I have always felt I must do this to occupy enough of my mind to allow the remaing portion to focus on work/etc. (I also have ADD, so not sure if this is an ADD feature or an Asperger's feature, but it sounds much more Asperger's to me...)

Thanks for any input.



Brittany2907
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18 Aug 2007, 3:38 am

Yes, foot shaking and leg bouncing is stimming. I do that also.

And having to have the radio or tv on is technically not a stim. As "stim" means self-stimulation, meaning doing something to yourself to get you stimulated such as physical repedative movements and repeating words or phrases etc.

The radio and tv thing is probably just a comfort thing.


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ryan2099
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18 Aug 2007, 4:05 am

As for the radio and TV thing, you might be right, but I really think it's more than just comfort, at least as I assumed you meant. I mean, I can imagine a person living along might take comfort from having a radio on to give them some "comforting" sense that they are not alone. But, this seems far more purposeful, or functional (maybe not the right word). I don't think the increased focus/ability to work comes from being mentally comforted so much as partially mentally occupied. But, who knows... At this point I feel like the least qualified person on the planet to correctly explain my mind.