Tics

If I recall correctly, these strange body contortions are technically not "tics." A lot of aspies refer to them as "stimming" or "flapping" (although, I don't even know if I would say the majority actually "flap"). They are much like familiar things such as biting one's fingernails when nervous.

From personal experience and what I remember as a child, I had a number of idiosyncratic movements: I would clear my throat often, compulsively swallow my saliva, bend and twist my hands around, shake my head from side to side, stretch and roll my neck, rotate my shoulder blades, gnaw on my knuckles, rap on my forehead with my fist, and in times of extreme stress, shudder my entire body (among other things that I have long since forgotten but am occasionally reminded of by my mother).

I'm not exactly sure about the "dog noises," but I grunt, sigh, and moan a lot. I also compulsively swear to myself when I forget that people are around (sometimes I'll say a phrase that is completely non-sequitur to anybody outside of my head). Most of my other "habits" have diminished substantially since I got older and became more self-aware, as well as started smoking (haha, I wouldn't recommend that one, though). I still shudder when I am very upset, and I move my fingers up in down in a very fast rhythmic motion, like tiny drumsticks, The impact they make as they rub together on each pass somehow helps my wandering mind focus.

I, personally, don't think these things are a big deal. Of course they garner unwanted attention at times, but I would hardly say I feel debilitated. One of the biggest problems for autistic people is a very small tolerance for frustration. This may be shown as a short temper (sometimes horribly violent and/or destructive tantrums) or a “moodiness.” In any case, these “stimming” habits are sometimes (but not always; there are many things that can be said about why we do these things) an outlet, like a pressure valve, to let off steam. If your son can stand being touched, you may find it useful to rub his head when he seems upset. Gentle touches can be annoying to us if done in the wrong places, but if you can find one of his “spots,” you may find that it calms him (this is likely due to an endorphin rush – being low on endorphins probably has a lot to do with our strange body movements). Rubbing a soft-bristled brush down the back may also help.

My son, who has AS, when he is nervous, will shrug his shoulders in a real jerky fashion.