Thomas stimming while playing a computer game.

This is how my son, Thomas, who has autism, stims. He also stims by contorting his fingers, but it wasn't caputured in this video.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• autism
• stimming
• video
• computer
• games

[lordsberserker]

From your comments I read that your son has had autism for 5 years now, correct? You should speak with your healthcare providers and maybe tweak his treatment plan. My understanding is that one should only be on the spectrum for 3-4 years.

I'm not saying that you're doing anything wrong, but maybe some replanning will help. My brother is approaching the end of his 4th year of treatment and still has some issues. Some of us are slower than others, I know I am.

You have an adorable child!

[whensolace]

@lordsberserker First, thank you! However, I do think you have received some misinformation along the way. Autism is a lifelong disorder. Children do not grow out of it. If your brother has been correctly diagnosed, he will carry this diagnosis throughout his lifetime. However, some children do display less symptoms and the autism may seem less noticeable. My son has been receiving treatment since he was 17 months old and continues feeding, occup., speech, & behavior therapy today.

[BirdOfParadise777]

Hmmm... looks like he is just jumping cause he is excited about the game. What is wrong with that? Why does that make him deserve a "label?" Do you think some "people" look for something to "label" in their child? Not a hater or stupid... asking questions to try and understand the grey world of "labels" and children. And after watching several other videos today of children with "obvious" out-of-norm behaviors, this boy just seems to be playing. Only one of yours I've seen.

[whensolace]

@BirdOfParadise777 If only it were a label. Thomas was diagnosed with autism about two weeks before his third birthday. He is now 8 years old. He still cannot carry on a conversation and has severe sensory issues. I posted this video over two years ago to show a friend of mine how my son stims. He stills does this now and it is not only during computer games or when he is excited. There is nothing wrong with stimming or with my son. I'm just trying to educate people.

[mllyk]

He's also having/has had some difficulties processing requests/directions & is very, very distractible. Anyway, we are on a search now for more answers if they are out there. Since you are more experienced w/ ASD, I was wondering if you wouldn't mind taking a look at a couple of my son's videos - just in case you have any valuable input (if so, I'll send the links to you). If you don't have input/advice that's fine :) Or, if you are not comfortable viewing the videos, that's also fine. Thanks!

[whensolace]

@mllyk I wouldn't mind taking a look at them. I hope you find some answers soon.

[jcortez]

Hi Scott, as an educator, I can tell you that video games (especially this one) can be educational and fun for children. He's playing curious george, it's not like he's playing grand theft auto. I respect your opinion as someone with autism, but you should know that autism is a spectrum disorder, what works for you might now work for him and vice versa. Please don't be so judgmental about something that works for him, especially his parents who are trying to educate the world about autism.

[lordsberserker]

@BirdOfParadise777 Sometimes a label is needed to help the child get services. My brother was diagnosed with Aspergers and an onslaught of other disorders. It didn't/doesn't make him a bad person or inferior, but because he was "labelled" were we able to get him the services he needed to overcome his obstacles.

[buttercado]

Haha, he did the hand on hip thing! That' what I do when I'm feeling nervous.

[EllyinAdelaide]

@BirdOfParadise777 I have a high functioning autistic son too. It's hard to explain unless you have a child who stims, but this is definitely stimming. It's just a processing difference, but I explain to my 4 year old that other children can find all that movement a bit off-putting.

[BirdOfParadise777]

@whensolace Thank you for answering my questions. Thank you for the information. I am sorry that your son has to battle such a thing. I hope for you that something is found to help him soon. Take care.

I have worked in daycare for a long time and it is frustrating to not know if the child actually has a problem or if the parents just "let" the kids run out of control. Know what I mean? It makes it hard to help some kids the way they need to be helped. It makes it hard on all of the kids.

[devashchad]

I have a 7 yr old very similar to your little guy. You have a very caring voice I am sure you are a great mom(: Blessings to you and yours.

He was diagnosed at age 4.

[Wendellerins]

This reminds me so much of my son. He loves video games and does the same thing. He was diagnosed at 4.