Autism answers - Question 23: Stereotypies / stimming

We continue with question no. 23. It's actually two questions that we decided to combine. There is still talk of "stereotypies", a hot topic, so we decided to dedicate another video to it. Too often, they're stigmatized, likely to cause embarrassment because they are an obvious manifestation of difference, there is probably a deep-seated belief that without them, one might appear less autistic and therefore seem "more normal". It is difficult to try to interpret and understand them. In fact, many of the testimonies in the video talk about how at a certain point you try to make them less evident, in order not to appear too strange in the eyes of others. By making them less visible, you don't eliminate them -- because they are truly needed. Autistic people call stereotypies: STIMMING, they maintain that they are essential -- and what they have been saying for years is being increasingly supported by a growing body of scientific research. So what if, instead of just suppressing them, we tried to "use" them precisely for what they are, that is, a means to self-regulate and feel better?
The text of the question (s):
"I would like to hear testimonials about what you did as children, about stereotypies ..."
"Regarding stereotypies, I would like to hear other personal experiences and points of view. Because it would help me a lot as a mother to understand and respect my daughter more"
Replies from:
Teo Mollaian, Francesca Ferrari, Lorenzo Ronchietto, Ginevra Bellini, Tiziana Naimo, and Giulietta De Luca
Graphics and editing: Tiziana Naimo
Subtitles in Italian, English and Spanish (under construction): Anna Zoe, Andrea / Andrew Dell'Antonio, Daniela Sofia Ferri.
Collaborators:
The Facebook working group “Neuro(A)tipici - Neurodiversità cultura e critica” (Neuro[A]typicals - Neurodiversity culture and critique)
Bradipi in Antartide
Eccentrico
Those featured in this second series (in alphabetical order):
Alice Sodi
Federica Giusto
Francesca Ferrari
Ginevra Bellini
Giulietta De Luca
Lorenzo Ronchietto
Roberto Mastropasqua
Teo Mollaian
Tiziana Naimo
If you also want to contribute to the creation of neuroatypical culture, follow the Facebook page “NeuroPeculiar-Movimento per la Biodiversità Neurologica”, or the UA-cam channel “Neuro Peculiar” o directly the web site www.neuropeculiar.com. This way you can be always updated on new videos and articles about Autistic culture that we share daily.
Please note that all contents are drawn from personal experience and opinion and should not be intended to substitute for professional advice.

[@agnesezanotti4369]

Bellissima la testimonianza di Ginevra! "Nel mio mondo ideale" gli autistici insegnano ai neurotipici ad essere un po'più autistici!! 😅❤️

[@AndrewDellAntonio]

Eccezionale tutti e tutte! Etta mi sono particolarmente piaciute le tue osservazioni sui modi peculiari (nel senso positivo!) che ciascuno di noi ha, qualsiasi sia la nostra neurologia...

[@EttaPatapumm]

😘

[@ariannajand1912]

Girare su me stesso come i sufi😍

[@letiziamerendino23]

...io le chiamerei forme di espressione delle proprie emozioni

[@rossanamarsullo3181]

Mia madre mi sgridava quando mi dondolavo sulla sedia sfegandomi le cosce con le mani, mi calmava molto, ho imparato a muovere impercettibilmente le mani nelle tasche o le dita dei piedi dentro alle scarpe, così non se ne accorgeva.