[Sakura13]

So quick background on me: I was diagnosed Bipolar when I was a very small child but before that I'd been diagnosed with Asperger's and PDD. I just recently got my psychiatrist to understand that I really am NOT bipolar because I do not have any of the traits that go along with it and instead merely have anxiety, OCD and depression. HOWEVER, I am more than certain I'm still on the spectrum somewhere - a therapist of mine I used to have agreed, too. I've not been able to get ANY help in regards to this aspect, though, so I'm unfortunately on my own with it so I'm turning to here.

My question is this: I get these really, really, really quick and brief (we're talking like, thirty seconds) every so often where I get so full of energy I have to squeal and tense while shaking my hands in fists to get it out. I do so in private since it'd be too embarrassing not to, but I've never been able to understand this.

Does anyone else get this?

[kkrrhh]

I'm trying to think and can't remember right now if it's a consistent thing, but I've definitely had something that sounds sort of similar. I've seen other autistic people talk and post on autism positive blogs about how if they're really happy they'll do a lot of hand flapping and other stimming, sometimes in bursts. What I do is more the fist shaking sort of thing you mention rather than hand flapping, and I'd always thought of it as trying to shake out some of the energy and just a sorta weird but "normal" (i.e. could be done by neurotypicals) thing... but now I wonder if it is an autism thing? Maybe something having to do with the tendency toward strong emotions and not always being able to totally regulate them? It seems like sometimes there's a reason, something that's made me feel positive or anxious, and sometimes it's kind of random or when I just have some built up anxious energy.

[Sakura13]

That's what I've been wondering, too, and for me it is more of a hand shaking thing. I kind of alternate but I put my hands into fists because I just get a huge burst of energy and I think it's like you said - my body just doesn't know how to handle it or regulate it so it's the only way I can get it out so it doesn't get even more intense. Thanks for the response!

[Nike007]

I also do this. Generally speaking, I'll do this for a reason though, like if I'm with a person I really like. I walk on the front of my feet (if walking) or jump up and down (if standing). I also tend to shake my heads, but I keep it by my side at best, as I don't want other people to see me like this.