What is an Autistic Stim?

Michelle Turner of Early Intervention TV is a certified Movement Specialist & Educator. Michelle works out of her clinic Movement Lesson LLC in Peoria, AZ. In this video, Michelle explains why a child stims. When a child doesn't learn where their bodies are in space, certain movements get bypassed. Michelle uses the Anat Baniel Method to gently show your child's brain how to have a more efficient way of sitting and organizing the back while they play in her clinic. www.movementlesson.com www.earlyinterventiontv.com

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• michelle m turner
• movement lesson
• early intervention tv
• special needs
• autism
• stim
• stimming
• infant
• toddler
• feldenkrais

[hzsweetieaim]

Great vid! This is the first time I've heard of a visual stim. My son w/ PDD does this. He spins water in a bowl every day after school w/ crumbs or tiny toys in it, sometimes for hours, or plays w/ trucks in non-conventional ways, watching wheels or mechanics, again, for hours, versus running them along the floor. I knew that was soothing for him, but I didn't know that was also considered stimming. Always thought stimming was body action, noises or verbal glitches. Even parents need awareness.

[movementlesson]

@hzsweetieaim Please rule out CVI. You can tell him to stop. This will take some time. Allow him a place to stim but not a constant focus for his mind. It is soothing but I can't run to Starbucks every time there's a stress - no different for him.

[dfhzrf]

I stim (and my stimmings are quite intense) when i´m excited, not because I´m looking to know where i´m at space... I flap my hands, jump, and do all of those things because they cause me pleasure and this feeling is reinforced by endorphin liberation. I also agree with the idea that stimmings can cause oneself to access into your autistic world (in the case you´re autistic, of course)

[movementlesson]

@dfhzrf Absolutely but to allow a small child to continue in that intense direction a mom is looking at a tougher life for their child. The chances of being self contained are higher. Having certain friendships continue to develop are more difficult. It's almost like letting a child continue with a pacifier or other behaviors that are self satisfying. It's not easy but can be redirected at a younger age vs. as the brain gets older with the enjoyment of stim.

[TheTayTalks]

I have Asperger's Syndrome which means I'm half autistic. I can tell you what stimming is used for. Stimming is used to access your autistic world. That is a complex imginary world that autistic people possess and enter through stimming. Stimming is NOT a bad thing. If you have any questions please watch my videos or message me.

[movementlesson]

@TheTayTalks Stimming is not a bad thing. However, if you're a young child and a parent is trying to get you to learn - for most it is impossible to do while your in a stim. It's about seeing the signs and being able to redirect. I can't walk around and do things all the time because it's pleasurable. Our brain is actually most self satisfied when it's working at something we love to do and then being able to share that talent. The whole complexity of Autism is balance.

[jb55101]

@movementlesson no i don't sorry

[movementlesson]

@jillwhitehead The more that you allow it to cross-over to times at school or play with friends it will be harder for her mind to separate the two and will opt for the soothing vs. allowing her brain to find a different answer to her stress at the moment.

[movementlesson]

@jillwhitehead It makes perfect sense - a stim is soothing. However, when a child is in a stim there is little chance that they can stay engaged where they would be capable of learning. That's why it's ok when it's 'down time' in the house or specifically at the computer or doing a specific play time.

[TheTayTalks]

@jillwhitehead Yes that makes total sense if you want to know more ask away or watch my videos thanks.