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mgurak
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26 May 2024, 1:52 am

When I'm tired I start rubbing my head vigorously. It's kind of like scratching but it's rubbing. Is this part of autism or is it something else? What would you call this behavior?


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shortfatbalduglyman
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26 May 2024, 11:50 am

Trichotillomania



naturalplastic
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26 May 2024, 11:52 am

shortfatbalduglyman wrote:
Trichotillomania


All of the internet sites that come up say that that is "hair pulling". Not "rubbing your head". He didnt say that he pulled his hair.



funeralxempire
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26 May 2024, 1:17 pm

Stimming.


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mgurak
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27 May 2024, 12:03 am

Thanks. Hmm, and here I thought my only stimming was tapping my head or thigh rhythmically with a 20 ounce soda bottle and (years ago) hitting the back of my head against a wall. I wonder what else I do that I chalk up to something else is actually stimming.


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autisticelders
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27 May 2024, 7:05 am

do you do it for comfort, to help you focus. or to feel better somehow?
As others have said, likely a stim.


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katebrownell86
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28 May 2024, 6:47 pm

Rubbing your head vigorously when tired is a common self-stimulatory behavior. This means it provides some sort of sensory input you find calming or focusing. It's not inherently linked to autism, though it can be a sign in some autistic people. If it's not causing you any problems or social difficulties, there's no need to worry. There's no single name for this behavior, but some people call it stimming or self-soothing.
As for your rock and roll hour, that sounds like a fun way to unwind! It's great that you can adjust the intensity based on who you're with. Having trusted friends to share those experiences with can make a big difference.