I started rocking to comfort myself during a traumatic time almost 10 years ago. I hadnt really thought about it, I just do it. If I am in bed on my own, upset, off in my own little world or lost in thoughts I will start it. I do it more when I am depressive but I do it sometimes when I am stable too - perhaps out of habit? Recently I noticed that it irritates my partner, I think it reminds him that Im not quite right.

I also tick in response to particularly bad thoughts. I didnt notice the relation til a few years back. My partner asks what it is, I just tell him I dont know.

Im going to try and stop the rocking, I just have to be aware that I am doing it I suppose. Does anyone else do it?

[medicalfox]

I rock too and I think it's mostly from my autism though. My boyfriend is used to me rocking and hand flapping so he doesn't mind as long as I don't do it in public. Rocking is a natural way to calm oneself so I don't see a problem about it.

[purplegiraffe1]

Originally Posted by medicalfox

I rock too and I think it's mostly from my autism though. My boyfriend is used to me rocking and hand flapping so he doesn't mind as long as I don't do it in public. Rocking is a natural way to calm oneself so I don't see a problem about it.

ME TOO!!!! Although my boyfriend doesn't mind if i do it in public. (although he too is autistic like me.) For me, rocking is my way to calm down and go to my world for awhile so i don't go into a complete meltdown and hurt others in any way. ..even if it is unintentional.

Thats interesting that you are both autistic and do it, I have often related very well to my autistic clients, but on asking my pdoc if its possible I am on the spectrum she sounded pretty definite with her "No". I do wonder if I share traits though, is that even possible? Thanks for the replies

[tealBumblebee]

I have noticed that I am a rocker too. I don't know when I do it, I usually just catch myself. It's a comfort measure that I guess is as habit as me biting my nails, or someone cracking their fingers, etc. Sorry it's annoying the hubby but hopefully he can let you know gently when you are doing it (light tap on the knee, etc.) so you can catch it to be more aware of it and stop it. I actually don't mind the rocking. I know it makes me look a little "crazy" but I don't often do it in public, just when i'm lost in my head. There could be worse things.

[medicalfox]

Originally Posted by Supanova

Thats interesting that you are both autistic and do it, I have often related very well to my autistic clients, but on asking my pdoc if its possible I am on the spectrum she sounded pretty definite with her "No". I do wonder if I share traits though, is that even possible? Thanks for the replies

It's possible to share traits with any disorder. Many people have characteristics of mental disorders, but it takes a certain amount of them for a extended period of time to confirm a diagnosis. For instances, I tend to dissociate during extreme stress, but I don't have a dissociative disorder.

[naejannej]

i rock occasionally, and i also sway side to side. but my big thing is bouncing my legs, especially my right leg. it never stops. pretty sure i somehow move it in my sleep. it must be providing some sort of comfort, so despite all the comments I get from people about "do you need to pee or something?" I still persist.

[neutrino]

I used to rock/sway from side to side a lot when I was a child. Nowadays I rock back and forth sometimes but not that often. When I do it I do it to calm down.

(Not sure how rocking is "connected to" autism but perhaps I should mention that I'm waiting for an assessment for autism/asperger's. Though I'm not sure I actually have it.)

[MercilessShadow]

I rock too when I have a lot of anxiety, only when I'm alone though. Don't see a problem with it myself as it is calming and isn't really doing any harm.