(Temple Grandin's Squeeze-Machine) -- (Bill Gates on Self Stimming)

[HenHanna]

When Temple Grandin was young, she invented a device that puts
even
pressure on the entire body.

Temple Grandin, an autistic individual and renowned

animal behavior expert, invented the "hug machine" or "squeeze machine"
during her youth. This device provides deep pressure stimulation, which
many people on the autism spectrum find comforting. It consists of two
padded sides that can be squeezed together, offering a calming effect
and helping to reduce anxiety. Grandin's work has significantly
contributed to understanding sensory needs and advocating for
individuals with autism.

https://www.thedailybeast.com/billionaire-bill-gates-believes-he-has-autistic-behavior-pattern-match/
"He then reflected on certain of his own behaviors associated [sic]
and how he believes they are associated with the autism spectrum,
such as being "slow socializing" and a "behavior where I rock that
bothers people," known as "self-stimming" in autism literature,
according to the Child Mind Institute.
Unless I missed it, "self stimming" isn't described directly in the
article, but the meaning can be found on the Internet.
Stimming, also known as self-stimulatory behavior, is the repetition of
physical movements, sounds, words, moving objects, or other behaviors.

i guess its bigger-motion than the common fidgeting

Common Examples: Hand flapping, rocking, spinning, humming,
repeating words or phrases, flicking fingers, and more.
Sensory Regulation: To regulate sensory input, either seeking more
stimulation or reducing overwhelming input.
Emotional Regulation: To manage anxiety, excitement, or other strong
emotions.
Self-Soothing: To calm themselves and feel more comfortable.
Important Note: Stimming is not inherently negative. It's a natural way
for
many people, especially those on the autism spectrum, to cope with the
world around them.
Respectful Observation: If you see someone stimming, observe
respectfully. Avoid staring or making comments.
Understanding: Try to understand that stimming serves a purpose for
the
individual.
Support: If you're concerned about someone's stimming, offer support
and understanding, rather than judgment.
If you have further questions about stimming or autism, it's always best
to
consult with professionals or reliable resources.

[Rich Ulrich]

Post by HenHanna
When Temple Grandin was young, she invented a device that puts
even
pressure on the entire body.

Temple Grandin, an autistic individual and renowned

animal behavior expert, invented the "hug machine" or "squeeze machine"
during her youth. This device provides deep pressure stimulation, which
many people on the autism spectrum find comforting. It consists of two
padded sides that can be squeezed together, offering a calming effect
and helping to reduce anxiety. Grandin's work has significantly
contributed to understanding sensory needs and advocating for
individuals with autism.

https://www.thedailybeast.com/billionaire-bill-gates-believes-he-has-autistic-behavior-pattern-match/
"He then reflected on certain of his own behaviors associated [sic]
and how he believes they are associated with the autism spectrum,
such as being "slow socializing" and a "behavior where I rock that
bothers people," known as "self-stimming" in autism literature,
according to the Child Mind Institute.
Unless I missed it, "self stimming" isn't described directly in the
article, but the meaning can be found on the Internet.
Stimming, also known as self-stimulatory behavior, is the repetition of
physical movements, sounds, words, moving objects, or other behaviors.

i guess its bigger-motion than the common fidgeting

The experts these days probably use a rating scale, and
fidgeting of any amount would score higher than zero.

I spent my career analyzing rating scales. After my career
in data analysis, I happened to get interested in autism. (That
was after interacting with an Aspie in the statistics groups. I've
mentioned that before).

As I see it now, many "neurotypicals" may "stim" -- possibly
owing to some version of the same neurological problems.
Measurable neurological PROBLEMs are common for severe
autistics. Sensory distortions (including inconsistency) are
found in most (I think) severe autistics. My experience as
a statistician dealing with "continuous" scales makes me
expect that a lot of people SHOULD be out there with
minor problems -- labeled 'problem' for the autistic -- that
no one has ever particularly noted.

I thought that the role of Kyra Sedgwick as The Closer (TV, 2005)
was intentionally written to show someone on the autistic spectrum,
even afte a couple of smart friends I asked, back then, disagreed.
Looking back, I still think the same. Or, maybe, I should have said,
"She FREQUENTLY shows behaviors that are typical for people on
the autistic spectrum."

Post by HenHanna

Common Examples: Hand flapping, rocking, spinning, humming,
repeating words or phrases, flicking fingers, and more.
Sensory Regulation: To regulate sensory input, either seeking more
stimulation or reducing overwhelming input.
Emotional Regulation: To manage anxiety, excitement, or other strong
emotions.
Self-Soothing: To calm themselves and feel more comfortable.
Important Note: Stimming is not inherently negative. It's a natural way
for
many people, especially those on the autism spectrum, to cope with the
world around them.
Respectful Observation: If you see someone stimming, observe
respectfully. Avoid staring or making comments.
Understanding: Try to understand that stimming serves a purpose for
the
individual.
Support: If you're concerned about someone's stimming, offer support
and understanding, rather than judgment.
If you have further questions about stimming or autism, it's always best
to
consult with professionals or reliable resources.

[Peter Moylan]

My experience as a statistician dealing with "continuous" scales
makes me expect that a lot of people SHOULD be out there with minor
problems -- labeled 'problem' for the autistic -- that no one has
ever particularly noted.

I have suspected for some time I'm on the autistic spectrum, and that
was confirmed last year. It went without being noticed by anyone for
most of my life, though. I believe there are a whole lot of us out there
at the high-functioning end of the scale, who are never documented
because we don't present with problems.

That agrees with what you are saying. The scale is a continuum, or near
enough to being so, but one end is not worth investigating.

[occam]

Post by Peter Moylan

My experience as a statistician dealing with "continuous" scales
makes me expect that a lot of people SHOULD be out there with minor
problems -- labeled 'problem' for the autistic -- that no one has
ever particularly noted.

I have suspected for some time I'm on the autistic spectrum, and that
was confirmed last year. It went without being noticed by anyone for
most of my life, though. I believe there are a whole lot of us out there
at the high-functioning end of the scale, who are never documented
because we don't present with problems.

I'm sure I have pointed this out here before. Organisations like Google
and Microsoft have known for some time that autism is a gold-mine that
can be tapped into by their HR. There are tangible benefits for having
employees who are on the (functional) side of the spectrum.

https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/inside-google-cloud/google-cloud-launches-a-career-program-for-people-with-autism

Some takeaways:

* don't call it 'autism', which sounds like a medical condition. Call
it 'neurodiverse' ( (tm) occam )
* put it in you CV as a positive skill.
- "Have a driving license;
- Languages: English, French, Fortran, Pearl.
- Neurodiverse (certified by Google)
- Untainted by AI (honest, truthful, legal)

etc.

Post by Peter Moylan
That agrees with what you are saying. The scale is a continuum, or near
enough to being so, but one end is not worth investigating.

[occam]

Post by occam

Post by Peter Moylan

My experience as a statistician dealing with "continuous" scales
makes me expect that a lot of people SHOULD be out there with minor
problems -- labeled 'problem' for the autistic -- that no one has
ever particularly noted.

I have suspected for some time I'm on the autistic spectrum, and that
was confirmed last year. It went without being noticed by anyone for
most of my life, though. I believe there are a whole lot of us out there
at the high-functioning end of the scale, who are never documented
because we don't present with problems.

I'm sure I have pointed this out here before. Organisations like Google
and Microsoft have known for some time that autism is a gold-mine that
can be tapped into by their HR. There are tangible benefits for having
employees who are on the (functional) side of the spectrum.
https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/inside-google-cloud/google-cloud-launches-a-career-program-for-people-with-autism
* don't call it 'autism', which sounds like a medical condition. Call
it 'neurodiverse' ( (tm) occam )
* put it in you CV as a positive skill.
- "Have a driving license;
- Languages: English, French, Fortran, Pearl.
- Neurodiverse (certified by Google)
- Untainted by AI (honest, truthful, legal)
etc.

P.S.
https://www.chconline.org/resourcelibrary/google-launches-initiative-to-hire-more-autistic-people/

[Aidan Kehoe]

Post by Peter Moylan

My experience as a statistician dealing with "continuous" scales
makes me expect that a lot of people SHOULD be out there with minor
problems -- labeled 'problem' for the autistic -- that no one has
ever particularly noted.

I have suspected for some time I'm on the autistic spectrum, and that
was confirmed last year. It went without being noticed by anyone for
most of my life, though. I believe there are a whole lot of us out there
at the high-functioning end of the scale, who are never documented
because we don't present with problems.

A key aspect of most psychiatric or neurodevelopmental diagnostic criteria is
that they need to have some negative impact on one’s life. If a person is well
there is going to be limited benefit from treatment and healthcare resources
are better spent elsewhere.

Post by Peter Moylan
That agrees with what you are saying. The scale is a continuum, or near
enough to being so, but one end is not worth investigating.

I agree on this. I was very irritated when my ex-wife mostly-decided I was
autistic on the basis that I shared that I don’t enjoy close physical contact
when I’m exhausted and stressed. My level of function in my social, personal
and professional lives is high enough that any reasonable developlemental
psychiatrist will dismiss the idea.

[lar3ryca]

Post by Rich Ulrich

Post by HenHanna
When Temple Grandin was young, she invented a device that puts
even
pressure on the entire body.

Temple Grandin, an autistic individual and renowned

animal behavior expert, invented the "hug machine" or "squeeze machine"
during her youth. This device provides deep pressure stimulation, which
many people on the autism spectrum find comforting. It consists of two
padded sides that can be squeezed together, offering a calming effect
and helping to reduce anxiety. Grandin's work has significantly
contributed to understanding sensory needs and advocating for
individuals with autism.

https://www.thedailybeast.com/billionaire-bill-gates-believes-he-has-autistic-behavior-pattern-match/
"He then reflected on certain of his own behaviors associated [sic]
and how he believes they are associated with the autism spectrum,
such as being "slow socializing" and a "behavior where I rock that
bothers people," known as "self-stimming" in autism literature,
according to the Child Mind Institute.
Unless I missed it, "self stimming" isn't described directly in the
article, but the meaning can be found on the Internet.
Stimming, also known as self-stimulatory behavior, is the repetition of
physical movements, sounds, words, moving objects, or other behaviors.

i guess its bigger-motion than the common fidgeting

The experts these days probably use a rating scale, and
fidgeting of any amount would score higher than zero.

Fidget toys are very popular these days. There are huge numbers of them
available as files for 3D printing. Our pharmacist (also a friend) has
two boys in their early teens, so the last time I picked up some meds, I
took a nifty little fidget toy and asked if her boys would like it. She
said "I like it. I love it!", and commenced to fidget with it.

She said that in university, she used to 'spin her pen' in class. She
demonstrated by holding the pen horizontally between thumb and fingers,
with fingers pointing up. She then spun it horizontally, moving her
hands out of the way, letting the pen hit the counter. Made a fair
amount of noise, and she did say she often got dirty looks from classmates.

Her assistant was also interested, and as I was leaving, the sound of it
was still happening. They really did 'love it'.

Post by Rich Ulrich
I spent my career analyzing rating scales. After my career
in data analysis, I happened to get interested in autism. (That
was after interacting with an Aspie in the statistics groups. I've
mentioned that before).
As I see it now, many "neurotypicals" may "stim" -- possibly
owing to some version of the same neurological problems.
Measurable neurological PROBLEMs are common for severe
autistics. Sensory distortions (including inconsistency) are
found in most (I think) severe autistics. My experience as
a statistician dealing with "continuous" scales makes me
expect that a lot of people SHOULD be out there with
minor problems -- labeled 'problem' for the autistic -- that
no one has ever particularly noted.
I thought that the role of Kyra Sedgwick as The Closer (TV, 2005)
was intentionally written to show someone on the autistic spectrum,
even afte a couple of smart friends I asked, back then, disagreed.
Looking back, I still think the same. Or, maybe, I should have said,
"She FREQUENTLY shows behaviors that are typical for people on
the autistic spectrum."

Post by HenHanna

Common Examples: Hand flapping, rocking, spinning, humming,
repeating words or phrases, flicking fingers, and more.
Sensory Regulation: To regulate sensory input, either seeking more
stimulation or reducing overwhelming input.
Emotional Regulation: To manage anxiety, excitement, or other strong
emotions.
Self-Soothing: To calm themselves and feel more comfortable.
Important Note: Stimming is not inherently negative. It's a natural way
for
many people, especially those on the autism spectrum, to cope with the
world around them.
Respectful Observation: If you see someone stimming, observe
respectfully. Avoid staring or making comments.
Understanding: Try to understand that stimming serves a purpose for
the
individual.
Support: If you're concerned about someone's stimming, offer support
and understanding, rather than judgment.
If you have further questions about stimming or autism, it's always best
to
consult with professionals or reliable resources.

[Hibou]

Post by HenHanna
When Temple Grandin was young, she invented a device that puts
even
pressure on the entire body.
          >>>   Temple Grandin, an autistic individual and renowned
animal behavior expert, invented the "hug machine" or "squeeze machine"
during her youth. This device provides deep pressure stimulation, which
many people on the autism spectrum find comforting. It consists of two
padded sides that can be squeezed together, offering a calming effect
and helping to reduce anxiety. Grandin's work has significantly
contributed to understanding sensory needs and advocating for
individuals with autism. [...]

For (to increase their number)? On behalf of?

As I recall, Grandin was inspired by a machine that held cattle still
while they were being vaccinated. It's a natural calming effect, as in a
hug, and is exploited in products such as weighted blankets and thunder
jackets for dogs.

[Rich Ulrich]

On Sun, 26 Jan 2025 10:56:31 +0000, Hibou

Post by Hibou

Post by HenHanna
When Temple Grandin was young, she invented a device that puts
even
pressure on the entire body.
          >>>   Temple Grandin, an autistic individual and renowned
animal behavior expert, invented the "hug machine" or "squeeze machine"
during her youth. This device provides deep pressure stimulation, which
many people on the autism spectrum find comforting. It consists of two
padded sides that can be squeezed together, offering a calming effect
and helping to reduce anxiety. Grandin's work has significantly
contributed to understanding sensory needs and advocating for
individuals with autism. [...]

For (to increase their number)? On behalf of?
As I recall, Grandin was inspired by a machine that held cattle still
while they were being vaccinated. It's a natural calming effect, as in a
hug, and is exploited in products such as weighted blankets and thunder
jackets for dogs.

I don't know if it is the case, but I would not be surprised if
Temple Grandin's writing was a direct inspiration for the weighted
blankets, etc. Grandin is not only a renowned expert in animal
behavior, but she writes books and promotes understanding of
autism.

BTW, Grandin is not Aspie. She is the only "high-functioning,
SEVERE autistic" that I've heard of. She was very young when
her parents were told that being institutionalized was her very
likely future -- but they chose to attack the deficits instead of
giving up.

Claire Danes won a Golden Globe for portraying Grandin in the
TV movie. Temple Grandin and others commenting during the flim
was an interesting 'extra' on the DVD.