Hi, my son is nearly 13 now, and as he has got older, alot of the behaviours have calmed down, he still hums and sings, but no longer lines things up, or is obsessed with light switches, brushing teeth is easier, in fact, its all a bit easier, so hang in there x

My son recites movie lines over and over again. He's done this since he was about 3. He will repeat and repeat unless someone tells him to tone it down. He'll be 16 at the end of September. He still does it and at times. He'll just blurt out a random movie line. He'll also imitate the sound effects from movies. When he moves his arms in a corresponding motion. He have his step brother a bloody nose once doing this. I told him to limit the reciting to three times a line. Sometimes he forgets and he's like a little parrot. He twirls his hair around his finger when he's learning or anxious. Sometimes he'll pull strands out while doing this. He says he tries to control it at school he also says sometimes he just needs to do it. Its only calmed down a bit. I think though as he's gotten older he's a tad more mindful of it. Just a tad... :).

I know my 17 year old still does things like flail his arms, every now and then. But he controls it for the most part when he is in public. He also holds conversations with himself, and will laugh for no reason whatsoever. But for the most part, he is doing really well.

I am so sorry. You are not inadequate! You're simply a mom who's been chosen to take this on. We are not experts at dealing with this. We finds ways as we go along and make the best out of what we have. I can't imagine how hard this must be on you. You sound exhausted. Is there anyone who can take your baby for a few hours so that you may be able to rest a moment? I think that you should have him reevaluated. It seems to me that your "broad brush" thought may be spot on. Trust yourself. Take care momma😉

My grandson likes to get his daily walking in. Since they seem to call this stimming, I'll call it that. I have always thought that this was good for him.. I did ask him when he is at school what he does and he told me that he waits until he gets home. This shows me that the stimming can be controlled if it needs to be.