[PsychSearcher0]

Hello.

I'm posting this question here because I am puzzled as to what it is.
When I was a young child I used to play in a very weird way (back then I thought it's normal), I flapped my hand in front of my chest or waved toys in front of me.

This instantly switched my brain into a daydream-like state, where I played in my head various scenes like a movie. For example: I watched a Transformers cartoon and then via "flapping" I daydreamed about them fighting.

When I noticed it was not normal I started hiding it and everybody probably though I grew out of it.
Well I didn't, I am 20 now and I still do it. I tried to stop many times worried about my sanity but I never could, it was too strong of a habit to me.
Instead I learned myself to do it just via tapping my fingers, like people do when they are anxious. I saw my younger cousin also doing it a few times, but later he started hiding it just like I do, and I have no way of knowing if he is still doing this or not.

I am diagnosed with OCD but not autism, though I tend to daydream very often and sometimes be rather unresponsive to people.

Does anyone else do it ? Why did I learn this weird habit ?
Other people on the forums suggested I ask here, since this may be related to Autism spectrum.

Hi PsychSearcher0: I believe I, as well as others, replied to this post in another forum. I hope you received some replies that were of benefit to you.

[Lexi232]

flapping hands, and all the other "odd" movements is known as self stimming. it is highly common with those on the spectrum.

(and yes, i do it too, along with other things lol )