Always Having to hold something in hand when out and about

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Hello. Does anyone else here have this issue? I don't know if it's related to my AS or anything or if it's just a normal thing but whenever im out shopping, visiting family and friends at their houses or just walking down the street, I noticed I always have to have my car keys in my hand. From walking about in the supermarket that I sometimes struggle with and visiting and talking to My parents. sometimes my phone but usually my car keys. Even if I'm out with someone else and leave my car at home, I have to hold them. If not I feel extremely uncomfortable and awkward, more anxious than usual. Most people I know find it strange that I don't just put them in my pocket and my mum told me to leave them at home the other day which made me feel a little upset. When Im at home I will leave them I'm a specific spot. I feel that it helps me cope easier though I don't have any bad sensory issues I'm aware of. When Im walking somewhere with lots of plants I love to pull parts of plants off and hold them I'm my hand also. Anyone else like this?

I have read about this, and it is AS related. I have the same problem to some extent. If I am not holding something in my hands, then I am doing something with them! I carry around plastic toys and books, and they all have a special spot as well. It's sort of like a stim, in a way. It definitely helps me feel more grounded.

It's completely ok. ☺ does it make you cope better? Do it.

Yeah I have it, and I think this is a way of stimming. Because feeling the keys in my hands, the cigarrete in my mouth, or anything like that, it distracts me a bit from the overstimulation of sounds, lights and people on the streets.

I didn't even realize I did this until I read your post.....I almost always have something in my hands, or are doing something with them, when walking: car keys, straps on the backpack, tapping hands on thighs when walking, strumming fences/plants as I walk by, grabbing leaves, etc. Last summer when going to classes I also started carrying and playing with a fidget spinner (which some of them are really really cool to watch in the different light as I walk!)