The language of Autism: Stimming

[@phoebemiller-redding2073]

I went to high school with Gabe, and although we didn’t have any classes together, he always put a smile on the face of everyone he encountered. This video is incredible and I wish more people would watch this to have a better understanding as you do, “Autism is not a disability, but a different ability,” I LOVE that! Best of luck in your new career!

[@Lava_Girl-]

Gabe is a handsome, charismatic genius! Such a cool guy...we all STIM in our own way. Some times we just can't see a person doing it.

[@emilyroberts3832]

I'm autistic too, and I share a lot of Gabe's stims. I do the hand flapping and finger flicking when I'm excited or anxious, and it's a way to burn off nervous energy for me. The same with pacing, though that has the added benefit of creating what I call the "bubble of predictability" wherein my mind can momentarily pull back from the constant fear of the unknown and unexpected, and for a short time I can relax, being completely confident in the knowledge that I know what's coming next, because it's just the same visual imagery over and over again as I move back and forth, back and forth.

[@geminiconfirmed6966]

Emily Roberts What does "excited" mean? Does it mean that you're real happy at the moment ? Or does it mean that you are having a rush of emotion because you were remembering or thinking about something?......thanks

[@ksmart1235]

Me too

[@CarmenSandiego649]

This is the first I’ve heard of stimming and I do this daily. As an adult I’ve changed this behaviour to squeezing my hand so that it will be less noticeable. Rocking in a rocking chair also helps. It usually happens when I’m very excited or inspired. I’ve never looked into autism.

[@bozzabee9069]

Well said. I wish everyone would have your curiosity and open approach. What we, autistic people, do is often embarrassing to us in public because outwardly we behave so different, but if it means someone will try to understand what we're going through inside, we'll gladly share and face our shame, self-aware -- a part of ourselves that shouldn't be shame to begin with. Stimming rejuvenates/refreshes our mind, helps us deal with difficult emotions and relieve built-up stress, allows for extremely intense focus, and provides a form of joy and excitement that goes way beyond the neurotypical spectrum. When we are stimming, we are generally really-really happy, and excited about the outer world we are exploring. This, in turn, allows us to learn more about our world, and pay close attention to things that most people would not notice, or deem to be important. Think of a time your body has been the happiest, with positive sensations, full of pleasure and comfort, surging through it. Now, multiply that by at least three times -- that's deeper/real stimming.

[@allankaige7364]

YES! Couldn't have been said it any better.

[@infernalhaze4663]

Bozza S I have Tourette Syndrome and sometimes when I get excited I do what I call my "shiver tic". It happens a lot when I give someone a present or receive a present from someone that I really like. My whole body trembles and I tighten up my muscles in a very rigid excitement. Most people think I'm just cold but people who are close to me know that it just means I'm happy. I'm often very insecure and slightly embarrassed about my behavior because it seems very childish but my shiver tic helps me deal with all this excess energy in a quiet and positive manor much like your "stimming". Thanks for sharing and giving me some insight into your daily life and struggles.

[@ericaoherica]

This is so nice to know. Thanks for sharing all that insight with all of us.

[@9marjo9]

Very well said I totaly agree!!! I have also a form of autism And when i am happy/exited I klap or flap my hands in different ways Whith talking as a girl i have been practising a lot. I only have extreem talking problem when i have the negative emotions.

[@allankaige7364]

This is a great video! Thank you so much for being as respectful and open-minded, accepting, and understanding as you were. That kind of stuff goes a loooong way for us. As often its not how other peoples attitudes are when it comes to us, autistic people.

[@Tristan-qn4os]

this was really intresting to see , especially him explaining his stimming.

[@jaysonbickel671]

Great video!! One of the best ones i've seen on this topic, you discuss it in a positive way and explain why we do this without making us seem lesser. The only thing i would change is that it's in my opinion better to instead have the mindset of "yes, autism can be a disability for some/most, but theres nothing wrong with that" because disabled people are not bad or less because of their disability

[@thebearcouncil8810]

I think one reason it is a disability for "most" is because society is built up to accommodate a certain type of people, if "normal" people lived in an autistic world, very likely they would be the disabled ones.

[@myshadowhaspaws7196]

I really liked this video. I'm not autistic myself but my sister is and I've known many people with it. I love to learn new things about it and other disorders.

[@MelB868]

Gabe you are so smart. I have Aspergers high functioning autism. I work with a kid in Sunday school I teach him he has medium functioning autism he stims when he is excited or upset.

[@Bloxfruitspro-b6t]

This clip opens my mind to understanding my son's behavior esp how he controls his emotions and reacting to surroundings...

[@zinaaliboody]

Thank you so much for this video! My younger sister was diagnosed with a “severe language disorder and mild intellectual disability” however upon becoming a medical student I have looked further into it and it does not seem to match her behaviour at all. She often behaves and speaks almost exactly the same as the young man in the video. Much appreciated this is very helpful in guiding me to further understand her situation.

[@otaku5869]

He's cute

[@johnknats781]

I have Similar quarks for the same reason, no desire to do it in public?I also do it with more intensity Anybody got any thoughts. I also usually think of war and or adventuress things, mechanisms such as the movements of firearms and other apparatuses.

[@buskiofficial2362]

wow his special interest is maps? he should be a truck driver

[@luislizano7025]

This guy is similar to me, but the difference is I can't happily stim outside like he does.

[@giornozimmer1986]

good video. amazing.

[@forestfreeman1600]

Great video!

[@magneticreciever]

thank you for sharing

[@m3cvfm]

I pace up and down too.

[@HarrietFitzgerald580]

Wonderful video!

[@ronaldquinn5871]

Thanks Gabe I stimm also!

[@alynicole822]

Very good video. :)

[@yeetlol3537]

I stim also i mostly rock back and fourth and flap my hands

[@J.M.S.D.Jayatilake]

Don't know im autistic .... (Undiagnosed) but i stim... 😍

[@toastynik]

Is there a cure for this ?

[@starjackson2562]

yay zero dislikes!!! :)

[@louisbrasil4090]

Not anymore... Autism $peaks has been there.

[@bukalikat1019]

I might be autistic, but it does NOT define me, to honest, I would rather be "the gay boy" instead for that "autistic".