the hand flapping sounds right but without seeing him do it it is hard to say for sure.

Sounds like a stim to me. Also the way you described him way advanced in areas describes the good old splintered skill. Good Luck Denise

Hi Denise....remember I'm so green I glow!! What is a splintered skill? And could his inablility with fine and gross motor skills be involved as well? ie; didn't ride a bike till 9/ didn't read till grade 3 but is very advanced in that area now? Still has problems with perception of distance..re: catching a ball etc? His pencil grasp is odd...but hey, it works for him! I know all kids/people have little querks...what do you think?

it sounds like stimming to me, except the gasping for breath, never heard of that stim. anyone else every seen or heard of gasping for breath as a stim? oh yeah, Denise, you know how green i am as well, what is the splintered skill?

When Oli gets excited I have seen him stiffen up and then release with hand flapping and jumping actions. I don't see that now, just stiffening if he is adverse to the stimuli in the moment. The comment the doc says "doesn't see it", well that got my attention, because the preK teacher responded to my comments to Oli's sensory responses as regards to after school meltdown is "I don't see it" Well then come over sfter school and hang out! They then comment get it video taped, so to "PROVE" it. Your family witness it, so you are valid in your concern. As per the question is it the wrong term, that may be the case. I think of stimm as what happens without the influence of excitement, but as you say he is hyperactive, so it may be his steam release action. Explaian it as you see it to the evaluator in Jan. as you will get the best evaluation. If they don't ask your imput, then cry foul, and demand to have your imput recorded. Hand flapping is indeed a common red flag for ASD, but after it is identified it is a part of a giant puzzel. What happens after that.. go figure.

Good luck with the quest to do the best thing. I'm sure you will!

This is an interesting reference

http://www.autism.org/stim.html

Well, ladies a splintered skill is when they say excell in reading and can't say put on there shoes. They are kinda out of order ya know. Both of my boys have many a splintered skill. Sounds like your guy has sensory issues as well, like he doesn't know his place in space so to speak. Pencil grasp and things like not being able to catch a ball or not being able to gage distance are OT issues. Good luck if you need anything I am here for you.... Hugs Denise

I have no idea what crosses over the line to become stimming, but it definitely seems like an anxiety related issue

wow, i never though about adam not being able to judge distance. that is why he just doesnt even respond when you toss him a ball.

Id like to give you a big hug and for being a single parent and doing this !!
Now about stimming...
Heck yeah it could deffinetly be stimming. The breathing even as well, just maybe that part is his reaction to the stimming.?
Ya know what... Docs dont see what we see, unless we video it!
That is an idea i wish i thought of before.
Good luck Mom!

As someone with autism, I have actually altered my breathing and without reason. I also flap my hands, rock, tilt my head back and forth. When I was younger, I would make strange noises until I got caught and felt embarrassed since I knew it wasn't normal.
Also, for the one who posted the site link, thanks :D. To me, it is accurate and useful to describe stimming, but that is just my opinion.

my son usually flaps, spins, and makes faces when he's excited or having an epiphany. He's verbal so I've asked him what's up when he's doing it, and he'll usually share an exciting revelation or original game he's come up with. I think it's a way of processing new thought or sensation.

He has stims too...repeats phrases over and over. :)

Good one leapyear!! Thanks everyone for the replys...they are all valid and food for thought!!! It does seem to me my son is processing something when he is doing it...even if he is just pacing and thinking about the day ahead! Take care all, Cynb