9 year old son with new stim

[JFAF]

So my son has had an autism diagnosis for about 5 years.

Recently he's added a new stim where he'll hit himself on his upper chest right under his neck on his collar bone and/or on his tummy. He communicates well but can't tell me when this started or why he likes it!

He has just started P6 (Northern Ireland) and he has been anxious about it. And he's a sensory seeker.

I can't decide if I should be worried because it looks like he's hurting himself but he says it doesn't hurt.

BTW, used to post ages ago, have just rejoined with this name to ask this question.

Any thoughts?

Anyone?

My son does something similar, and for a while I used to hit my thumb knuckle against my collar bone. It resonates in your chest and feels/sounds nice.

If he says he’s not hurting himself and there’s no marks to suggest that it is injurious, then I’d just leave it. Stims are important for releasing pent up frustration and feelings.

Ds used to hit himself on the chest and make a particular noise at the same time. He wasn't leaving a mark so i let it continue. He was clearly getting something sensory from it and soon moved on to a different stim. He currently taps his chin with 1 finger repeatedly.