[RainbowSadness]

When I'm in my house I stim 24/7. I flap my hands, twiddle pencils, spin violently in my desk chair, quickly pace around my small bedroom, and even sometimes start spinning. One time years ago when I was 12 I even busted out a lightbulb when I swung my arm backward. Even with all that stimming I still feel overwhelmed and I don't know why. It's like I have to always stim but at the same time can never seem to stim enough.

I feel the need to stim in public too but not nearly as bad. I think it's because the bright sun and the car ride provide stimulation on their own. I love car rides but places like grocery stores overwhelm me. The crowdedness, bright lights, noises, drive me nuts.

I just feel so overwhelmed constantly needing to stim just to not be soothed by it. I don't know what to do about it. I'm not actually diagnosed with autism but I'm pretty much 100% sure I have it for obvious reasons. My parents don't know I suspect I have autism or that my neurodivergent issues are this bad. We're fighting for a high school IEP right now but that's pretty much all they know about my issues. Anyone got any ideas on what to do about this? I would greatly appricate some input.

[MickeyCheeky]

((((RainbowSadness)))) I'm sorry you're struggling with this. I can relate a bit. Do you see a therapist? I think that might be useful to work through this issue. Also, if you suspect you suffer from autism, perhaps it would be a good thing to get a proper diagnosis.

[SybilMarie]

Anytime I have a need to stimulate myself, I simply put my earphones into some music and go to town dancing in my office chair.

[Mnby123]

I also have autism and i consistently rock back and forth and side to side.

[SybilMarie]

I was just recently diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome.

[rise13eyond]

Ah I get that. I have tons of different stims and it's always something, kind of depends on where I am and what I have with me though. I take toys everywhere with me, particularly anxiety inducing places. Grocery stores definitely (I hate car rides too though). I often get lost, loose track of who I'm with, or can't find what I'm looking for because everything is so overwhelming. I have to really slow down to identify what I'm looking at because there's so much going on it all starts to blend together to become one big mash of sights and sounds. I always take a small stuffed animal everywhere I go, I call them my tiny friends, and it's good to just have them in my hands to feel. Small soft cute things are good.