Excessive stimming in child but not sure it’s ASD

[OrangeSail]

I’ve read a lot of confusing info about stimming and different disorders. Obviously ASD is always mentioned but are there any other mental health issues that can cause a lot of stimming in young children? Can the type of stimming determine which disorder it is? The more I read the more confused I am…

Sorry forgot to add, it’s especially ADHD descriptions where I read confusing information about stimming. Maybe someone can explain what’s the difference (if any) between the stimming behaviour of children with ASD and ADHD?

I think autistic stimming is mainly for emotional self regulation, but also for sensory input.
With ADHD, it is also for self regulation, but also for when you need to focus or are anxious/stressed.
I have ADHD and am probably autistic. My sons and my siblings are all autistic, so that's what I've noticed from us.

In what way are they stimming?

Could it be a tic?

Both people with ASD and ADHD can stim in different ways depending on their needs (eg self-soothing, 'fidgeting' to help focus).

I don't think it's accurate to look at someone's stims and diagnose from that - not sure if that's what you're asking?

Most often hand flapping, jumping, spinning arms or objects.

Most often hand flapping, jumping, spinning arms or objects.

Make an appointment with a Sensory Paediatric Occupational Therapist, they are trained in all manner of sensory issues and will be able to advise you. The NHS have a few, otherwise it's private.

Look up 'complex neuro stereotypes'.

Flapping/stimming is also present with sensory processing disorder.

I think we need more information here. It sounds like ASD stims to me.

You can have similar stims with different types of neurodiversity. Also, some people who are not diagnosed with a ‘disorder’ have stims, especially children, and usually to combat anxiety. As a PP said, stims can be a way of self-soothing, sensory-seeking and regulating. Speaking as a teacher, as well as a family member with several ND relatives, including ASD, sometimes children will grow out of stimming but also, it is clear that it’s part of masking and trying to follow social norms - very exhausting and even painful for some. A lot of NTs are very intolerant of stimming, although some of them constantly behave in a way that is likely to trigger ND people.

If you are concerned, contact a GP and seek a referral for OT but if you can possibly afford it, go private, as the waiting lists are huge.

People stim all the time - not just ND people. Tapping your foot, twirling hair, pacing are all stims. They're a way to help cope with emotions, frustration, anxiety etc. I would say spinning and flapping are quite typically autistic stims though - stimming isn't a symptom of ADHD in the DSM- 5 but is for ASD. I would say these are signs of ASD rather than ADHD - but that's not to say people with ADHD don't stim, as I said most people do. No one would be diagnosed just on a type of stim, there is far more to both conditions.

@OrangeSail you might be better getting this moved over to the neurodiverse mumsnetters or children with SEN board.

@SeeSawDaw @Choconut Thanks for confirming it’s not that easy to just diagnose based on the type of stimming.

I’ve been reading about ASD a fair bit now and the signs listed just doesn’t really fit my DS. He hates routine, his favourite type of play is imaginary play, never lines up things, makes eye contact fine, communicates well and all further signs of ASD normally listed are just not there. But he’s very difficult to handle, sensitive and we’ve had lots and lots of problems with behaviour. The stimming is also very extensive now, very noticeable.

@DayOfTheTentacle thanks for the suggestion, I’ll have a look at that too.

We all stim. Rocking,nail biting we all hand flap at things like eg if we no something and are not allowed to speak it doesn't mean 100% autism