Stimming

by Molly
(Texas)

Our 3 year old son was very recently diagnosed with SPD. We are still learning as we go.




He has always, since infancy, "flapped" his arms when he is excited (stimming). However, he recently developed a "dry cough" that has become more and more repetitive throughout the day.

Originally, it was just when he was excited - to go along with the flapping. But in the last few days, he is doing it all day long. It is about to drive us nuts.

Is this common with SPD?



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Aug 01, 2019
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starstarstarstarstar 		It's okay
by: Anonymous

Stimming or tics can be either sensory processing disorder or Autism or just simple tics or a tic disorder. It can also come on with a untreated strep throat infection. So there are many reasons why. It's very difficult to pin point what the triggers are and you may drive yourself crazy trying.

Also some children find it relaxing and are happy to do it. For my son it gets worse with tiredness, infection, illness, anxiety or excitement. So that's quite a lot of reasons😂 I have found that the most important medicine for my son is unconditional love, diet and looking after his well being. Most importantly not blaming them or ourselves.
Feb 22, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		Reply to Dry Cough
by: Anonymous

Thank you for replying. He doesn't have OT anymore. He's almost 9 but talking to him hasn't improved it unless I'm standing right next to him. There is nothing that seems to trigger it. It is all day long - even at school. Maybe the gum is a better idea. Any other suggestions of something he can easily take with him?
Feb 20, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		reply to cough question
by: Anonymous

Does he have an OT? Have you found any stimulating techniques that you are more comfortable with, like sour gum, scented oil, tactile blanket or brush, trampoline? Does he seem to do it out of overstimulation/anxiety or understimulation/boredom? Is he old enough or mature enough for you to talk to him about it and work out a replacement habit that he is comfortable with? Is he trying to tune out a distracting or unpleasant stimulus that could perhaps be removed from his environment?
Feb 20, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		SPD and dry cough stimming
by: Anonymous

Hello. I don't know how old your post is, but my son has PDD-NOS as well as SPD. An intentional dry cough is also one of his stims. It comes and goes, but today is about the 5th day in a row that he's doing it, and of course, it is now making his throat very sore. He doesn't just do it when anxious or upset. He does it all. day. long.

I realize you're not supposed to try to stop their stimming because there is a reason they stim in the first place, but with one like this - that is causing him pain and discomfort the longer he does it - I sure would love to find out a way to get it to stop.

Any suggestions?
Jul 16, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Stimming
by: Anonymous

My 3.5 yr old does all sorts of silly things - facial grimaces, clicking, sucking noises included. He seems to do them most when he's tired or anxious/aggravated. They look very much like autistic activities or tics, but he has no social issues that would say autism - and he's hit all his developmental milestones. We are learning that his SPD causes anxiety which may trigger the tic like things he does. We've just started OT and hope that helps him to get "organized".
May 27, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		reply
by: Anonymous

Hand flapping IS common with SPD as my son does it too. I have had him tested for Autism with MANY different therapists and they have ruled out Autism. My son likes to ring his hands and shake his legs when he gets overly excited, it drives me nuts and we sometimes get odd looks from other people. I am sure at some point they will grow out of it but I wish I could tell you more!
May 03, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		it is...
by: caro

hi, i have a son 3 years old now with spd,flapping hands and other movements or sounds are very common in spd with anxiety..anxiety can be for good thing as having fun or something that they really like or with bad things like have to do something they know they dont like to do or just when they get overwhelmed, they have to focus that overwhelmed and they do it with this repetitive movements or sounds-
here you have to ask youre ot for tips to manage anxiety kids with spd have obsessive compulsive behaviors when they are overwhelmed and with anxiety.

i am not a dr either thats way it is very important that you ask an ot or a psic. but this is one of the biggest problems we had last year and as we focus in balance his level of anxiety the obsessions stopped.

i hope this can help you and that the ot can help you with the flapping it is really tiring and really frustrating....and for them its just exhausting. (sorry about my english)
Apr 11, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		SPD or Autism?
by: Anonymous

I do not think that is common with SPD. I am not a doctor and do not want to be the one to tell you this but those actions are similar to a child on the autism spectrum. There is a wide spectrum and the kids are often very smart. It sounds like SPD is in addition to other issues.(sorry)
If so, early intervention is the key. If you get that diagnosis from a Dr.

Your child will qualify for a free 5 days a week program in your city. My daughter was put on the low end of the spectrum early and had early intensive intervention and free school from 2 until 5 years old. Now 4 years later, she is fine and gifted. GOOD LUCK

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