wrist flicking/snapping

what causes children with autism to flick their wrists?  My son does this, he rolls his hands around - usually when he stimulated (excited, happy, curious, etc.)  I have seen many children with autism do this.  What does it mean and why do they do it?  Is it a neurological disorder, or is it specifically autism that causes this.  Could a chiari malformaiton cause a child to do this?

[edmfender]

Hi,
My 9 year old son also flicks/waves/rubs his fingers...it's called stimming or self stimulation.  Most kids with ASD do some sort of stimming behavour.  I have heard from various medical professionals alternate therories...that the repetative motion is calming, helps minimize outside stimuli, is a form of communication of excitment.  My son has a baby blanket (or should I say a piece of) that he continually whips around while making a gutteral moaning sound.  Some therapists have said to discontinue this and try to find something more socially suitable (figet toys, you can find them on the internet). We have opted that he can use his blankey at home but it stays at home as he is aware that he might be teased or it might be too distracting to him and others in public.  This was only possible however, after our son was aware of his diagnosis, that he was concerned about social stigma....
Don't know if this helps but you can probably find more information on the net: Autism Self Stimulation
L.

[boywithmanydisabilities]

I do it just cos i like the sound of my bones clicking.

[edmfender]

Cool...do you like the noise/feel of drumming?.  My son started lessons about 6 months ago and he loves it. Take care!

[MaryannesMom]

I believe what you are describing is what I call hand flapping.  I asked my 11 year old Aspie daugther why she flaps her hands, and she said it feels good.