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hi i can’t comment on whether what your son is doing is withdrawal, buti wouldn’t besurprised if it is.the diet does not suit all auistics,there will be a few times when the childs will react t the toxins coming out just like an adult on a detox. In the same way that you may enjoy a back massage’s feelings, an autistic individual may enjoy the sensations felt from ripping paper. Remember, however, that these stimming behaviors can become obsessions. Divide stimming into two categories—calming and excitatory. Calming stimming helps a child refocus, such as we all do when we are nervous, while excitatory stimming directs a child’s attention in a negative way. Typical children are said to be “wound up” for example, and for an autistic child, being wound up may mean clapping, yelling sounds, or running. This kind of stimming is detrimental, as it interferes with attention and reinforces inappropriate behavior. A branch of stimming includes attachment to certain items. Most children have a favorite doll or blanket that goes everywhere, but for an autistic child, this habit is never broken. The item may be something that is textually pleasing or something that the autistic individual likes to smell, hear, or look at. Along with attachment to a specific item, autistic individuals also may find an attachment to organizing items. For example, he or she may repetitively self-stimulate by lining up items. This too can become an obsession. Stimming can be a difficult habit to break because it is so pleasant to an autistic individual. Some stimming is not bad, for the same reasons in which we all self-stimulate when we are nervous. However, if a child’s stimming is interfering with learning, disrupting others, or becoming an obsession or addiction, steps should be taken to reduce this action. Discourage stimming if it makes sense—every case is different and therefore, no steadfast rules regarding stimming can be set. Stimming is all about comfort, and your child, autistic or not, should be comfortable as long as his or her activities do not interfere with others or are not self-damaging. In regards to stimming, reduction of these behaviors is ideal, but remember that complete elimination is usually not necessary. Autistic individuals perceive the world in a different way and we must take that into account. Removing of stopping the stimming entirely can lead to a sensory overload. Stimming is also referred to as an "ism". It is a self-stimulating behaviour that gives comfort and for the autist it is a coping mechanism. So called 'normal' people also have them. Just think how many people you know who suck their thumb, twiddle their hair, rock in a chair, drum their fingers,do deep breathing exercises or even smoke when they are anxious? You wouldn't presume to stop them so why should it be different for the autistic individual? |
