I AM NEW TO THIS SITE..... My son Anthony is 9 years old and was diagnosed with Asperger's about 2 months ago. He has always done things his own way. He's extremely intellengent, asks tons of questions all the time and is a joy to be around. However, he does little things that I wonder if they are the "normal" thing that goes along with Asperger's. He is very particular about how he organizes his "things". He also is a picky eater. He is almost manic sometimes. He could be on a serious high and then crash and burn very quickly. Something that he just started doing the other day is obsessively play with his hands. He has made up his own form of sign languae. He spells everything with his hands. Do these "OCD" like tendencies help him cope with stress or is it a habit? Any insight anyone can give will be so helpful. Thank you.

My son is much younger however I have read soooo much about all facets of the Autistic Spectrum and the behaviours you mention sound very typical of a child on the spectrum. Try to redirect the behaviours you don't want him caught up in but you just need to choose your battles. Organizing his things his way is something acceptable even if it's annoying but wringing his hands obsessively may be one to redirect since it's very easy for it as a compulsion to take over too much of his functionality. You'll know which ones you just have to deal with and which ones will interfer with his ability to function to the best of his ability. Good Luck

It sounds very much like Aspergers. All those things. I agree with Jeffrey's mom about redirecting things - especially the hands. That very much can turn into a compulsion and that's something you don't want. My now 12yr old was dx when he was 9.

Learn as much as you can about AS but try to take it slowly. Sometimes it can be overwhelming - especially at the beginning.

Thank you for your comments. I will enjoy using this site often as a sounding board. Our family & friends are understanding but they really don't understand. Have a great New Year's day.

I AM NEW TO THIS SITE..... My son Anthony is 9 years old and was diagnosed with Asperger's about 2 months ago. He has always done things his own way. He's extremely intellengent, asks tons of questions all the time and is a joy to be around. However, he does little things that I wonder if they are the "normal" thing that goes along with Asperger's. He is very particular about how he organizes his "things". He also is a picky eater. He is almost manic sometimes. He could be on a serious high and then crash and burn very quickly. Something that he just started doing the other day is obsessively play with his hands. He has made up his own form of sign languae. He spells everything with his hands. Do these "OCD" like tendencies help him cope with stress or is it a habit? Any insight anyone can give will be so helpful. Thank you.

Ive got touretts which Im told derives from asperges. Im 14. I do things like that to help me control myself and whats going on around me so I dont have a panic attack-I get those because I also have ADHD. Sometimes its just comforting or relaxing. I suppose your sons just ya no, doing things like that cause he feels the need.

thank you. I never thought of the "feeling good" aspect of it. I think he likes to feel in control and spelling with his hands goes along with him talking to himself. He doesn't do it to us as a way of communication, he's very talkative and can express himself verbally like any other kid.

My 13 y/o son, Ricky, with Aspergers has a habit of touching things. For example, he seems to feel the need to touch the floor in front of him, alternating right hand, left hand, right hand, left. He doesn't care that it looks odd. He just feels a compulsion to do it. Hopefully you can catch your son before it becomes a habit, but honestly, he'll probably come up with another one! Ricky has gone through several phases of compulsions. Like your son, he is also quite a picky eater. Even when he was a baby, he wouldn't eat veggies. And he has the same likes and dislikes. He hasn't outgrown it and he's 13 years old! Gotta love him anyway!

You're right about leaving one habit behind for another. He moves from one habit to the next. I can actually deal with the making up letters with his hands then some of the other habits, he has outgrown. Thank you for your imput. And your not kidding, you gotta love them. Have a great week!