Sarah K. Groseclose

>Sarah,

>What are stims? Is it an achronim?

>~Kelly

Kelly,
It's short for stimulation. Children with Autism will flap their hands,
spin in circles, rock back and forth, make vocal noises (Amanda grunts).
Most parent that I know with Autistic children work really hard to stop the
stims. I don't see this as a problem. Amanda does it when she is
overwhelmed. For me, they are a clue that she needs comforting, a change in
activity, etc. I see it as just part of who she is. I have been to parent
support groups and have been involved with online support and parents
actually punish the children for exhibiting their stims. I just accept that
this is a part of who Amanda is. We certainly don't punish her or make fun
of her. We use the stims as clues to something bigger.
Peace,
Sarah

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In a message dated 7/22/2003 10:27:59 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
CHILDLEDucator@... writes:


> It's short for stimulation. Children with Autism will flap their hands,
> spin in circles, rock back and forth, make vocal noises (Amanda grunts).
> Most parent that I know with Autistic children work really hard to stop the
> stims. I don't see this as a problem. Amanda does it when she is
> overwhelmed. For me, they are a clue that she needs comforting, a change in
> activity, etc. I see it as just part of who she is. I have been to parent
> support groups and have been involved with online support and parents
> actually punish the children for exhibiting their stims. I just accept that
> this is a part of who Amanda is. We certainly don't punish her or make fun
> of her. We use the stims as clues to something bigger.
> Peace,
> Sarah
>

Gotcha!

I'd just never heard of it.

I've met Anne's Jacob. Sweet and gentle---and "amazingly" in control. We have
a couple of Aspie kids here in Columbia (I DO so wish they and their moms
would come to the conference!)---and I say "amazingly" because of the differences
I see between them and Jacob. Jacob "owns" so much of his world---and I'm
SURE that's because of Anne (and Dave and Sam). She is always so aware of their
surroundings and their options. Their communication is a joy to watch.

~Kelly


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