12 Examples of Autism Stimming

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My son did a lot of the stem’s you talked about. Though when he was little, no one ever explained those behaviors to me. His stemming actually started at a very early age. He would twist and twist his belly button. I showed his dr, because it was bruised. Later we got him a service dog, that helped a lot. Great news now my son is 25 years old. He has a job, pays all his bills and is a wonderful adult. I couldn’t be more proud of him.

I really appreciate your description of stimming in the beginning. I think one of the best ways we can educate non autistic people about autism so that they can truly understand is by reminding people that often times these “autistic traits” are just exaggerations of otherwise just human traits. It really helps to paint us autistic people as not wierd and alien and stupid, but as simply fellow human beings that act a bit differently due to the way their brain works. Its just refreshing to see autism education in this way. Thank you!

I’m 33 and crying at the thought of my family being as understanding as this mother

Thank you so so much for this. I’m Nigerian, male, and turning 18 this year. Where I’m from, people don’t really care about the whole mental health and stuff. If it doesn’t manifest somewhere on your body, it basically doesn’t exist. My mum my told me how as a kid I would always line up my shoes and slippers perfectly and that she thought it was amazing. She and my sister would also laugh about how I would be playing with something and then, out of no where, get up and start banging my head against a wall— had that habit till my dad literally beat it out of me (like I said, we’re mostly ignorant on these things over here). I’d keep going but I can’t seem to choose what to say. And this is the internet sooo… In summary, thank you❤️

Him playing with your hair, looking so calmed & relieved was so sweet

Thank you for your video. Very informative. My 3-1/2-year-old grandson has autism, non-speaking, and my husband also has autism. The whole family has been educating ourselves about autism since my grandson was born. His parents are very proactive in supporting him and his special brain. Your video also helps me understand my husband's unique qualities as an autistic person. He is very high functioning, plays six instruments, has perfect pitch, and can play a song perfectly after only hearing it once. He also is a skilled writer/journalist. One of the stims my husband does is walk in circles when he is overwhelmed, and he has many characteristics often usual with autism, including some auditory processing challenges, low eye contact, and sometimes has trouble getting his thoughts into words. I've learned more patience because of this. He is also the sweetest, most honest, and dependable person I've ever known. I find his uniqueness and the special way his brain works intriguing and, at times, adorable. And of course, my grandson is adorable. <3

Hello 🙃I am a 61 year old man who was diagnosed with Asperger's as a boy. My favorite stim, is a small hollow ink pen with some small chains on one end that I constantly flick back and fourth. As a boy, I used bicycle streamers as a stim so I brought my favorite flicker into my grown up years. I still use my flicker daily! I also love fidget spinners as well. My wife has bought me several dozen over the years. Thank you for sharing about your sons. God Bless!!!

It is so wonderful that you try very hard to understand your child. It is incredible how you define his actions so well. ... in such a loving way.

I watch your video and cry at how wonderful some parents are in this world! So much attention and acceptance for their children! Perhaps for some people that is a given. And that's wonderful! But for many adults with autism, it is a dream to have parents like that. I believe your children will one day be able to tell you how grateful they are for all you have done for them, but for now, a huge thank you from an autistic adult who has been deprived of such acceptance and accommodation, and who feels incredible love from you for autistic people through your videos! It gives so much hope for the future and the belief that autism will one day become a totally acceptable and not judged human condition. And that many autistic people will grow up with an inalienable sense of right to be themselves! Thank you for your videos and your love in them! I wish you and your kids nothing but the best! ❤

I will fight ANYONE for my 7yr old autistic sons humanright of stimming. Watching him stimm melts my heart, I could watch him for hours in total bliss stimming. He used to be non-verbal but he started speaking around 4 yrs old. His stimm is touching and sniffing his blanket, and hugging it and stroking himself with it. Couple of weeks ago he said to me, mommy I love my blanket more then you. So can you imagine the emotional damage it would cause him to take it from him. He loves this blanket more then his mother. It would be to him major trauma, like loosing a family member.

They are growing so fast!! Thank you for sharing your experience with the rest of the world so they understand autism better.

My son has had variations of several of the stims you explained. He did run as a young child but outgrew it into pacing. I’ve never been diagnosed with ASD but stim quite often, I play with my hair like your son does along with some others. I’ve learned so much watching my son grow, things about him as well as myself. Thank you for sharing your experiences with your sons! It helps so many who have no experience with ASD. 🥰

My 2 year old isn’t diagnosed yet but, she has some of these signs and is nonverbal. BUT, she’s trying so hard to talk! I’m so thankful for getting her therapy for her delays early.

I’m a 30 yr old woman, diagnosed with ADHD last year and it came as a shock to me. I’ve been taking stimulant medication and it completely changed my life for the better! I couldn’t believe how many behaviors I had that were actually stimming, or hyper focusing, or how deeply I was affected by my environment. I realize now that all people who are neurotypical share countless similarities, and it’s amazing how much I’ve enjoyed my friends with autism not really knowing quite why. I didn’t realize how much I actually fidget/stim, like constantly cracking my knuckles, neck, shifting my legs when seated, clenching my muscles, humming…all the while thinking everyone is always uncomfortable and can’t wait to get home and let loose. I would get home from “behaving” all day long and start making loud, obnoxious sounds, singing, ripping my clothes off (especially the bra, always the bra), and wondering why I was so tired, cranky, and out of it when nothing in particular happened to warrant it at all. Talking to people, smiling, making eye contact, moving my face to match another person, constantly saying the same hello, goodbye, how are you over and over when nobody really cares, why???? Wasting money on clothes I never wanted to wear because the material was itchy, hot, uncomfortable, always thinking about my skin feeling awful. Beautiful shoes I couldn’t wait to take off. Hating the feeling of my own hair touching my skin. How loud noises are, how loud people are, how crowded people are, how annoying people are and you can’t say anything or do anything about any of it. Even the lights, the lights made me tired. Turns out, it’s ok if I am more comfortable in dark, quiet, confined spaces. I don’t have to have my curtains open to let sunshine in if I don’t want to. It’s ok to wear things that are comfortable. I don’t have to conform to look professional. I don’t have to be professional. Hell, I don’t even want to be professional. I am so much happier and have so much energy now that I know what has been really bothering me. I switched careers to ABA to spread the word that it’s ok for children, ESPECIALLY children, to feel comfortable and respected for their preferences.

Wow you are incredible parents. I like how engaged you are with the empty bags.

I’m so glad I found your channel. My son is 3 and was just diagnosed with level 1 social communication asd and level 2 repetitive behaviors. I’m not sure what it all means, but how calm you are speaking about your children with autism calms me down. Thank you.

I am glad that people have informative videos, such as this one, to watch now a days. Twenty some years ago it was so much harder to find information! This video is such a blessing for so many people!

I love how he hugs or squishes your hand! You can tell how much he loves u!!

I love the intro 💖 thats the perfect way of explaining and normalizing autistic traits. you seem like such a good mom, this video gave me hope