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

    From HenHanna@21:1/5 to Ken Blake on Sun Jan 26 03:45:35 2025
    XPost: alt.usage.english, alt.english.usage

    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.



    On Sun, 26 Jan 2025 0:02:18 +0000, Ken Blake wrote:

    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



    Here's a breakdown:
    Common Examples: Hand flapping, rocking, spinning, humming,
    repeating words or phrases, flicking fingers, and more.

    Why People Stim:

    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.

    It's crucial to remember:

    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.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Rich Ulrich@21:1/5 to All on Sun Jan 26 01:30:44 2025
    XPost: alt.usage.english, alt.english.usage

    On Sun, 26 Jan 2025 03:45:35 +0000, HenHanna <[email protected]>
    wrote:

    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.



    On Sun, 26 Jan 2025 0:02:18 +0000, Ken Blake wrote:

    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."





    Here's a breakdown:
    Common Examples: Hand flapping, rocking, spinning, humming,
    repeating words or phrases, flicking fingers, and more.

    Why People Stim:

    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.

    It's crucial to remember:

    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

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  • From Hibou@21:1/5 to All on Sun Jan 26 10:56:31 2025
    XPost: alt.usage.english, alt.english.usage

    Le 26/01/2025 à 03:45, HenHanna a écrit :

    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.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Peter Moylan@21:1/5 to Rich Ulrich on Sun Jan 26 21:42:55 2025
    XPost: alt.usage.english, alt.english.usage

    On 26/01/25 17:30, Rich Ulrich wrote:

    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.

    --
    Peter Moylan [email protected] http://www.pmoylan.org
    Newcastle, NSW

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  • From occam@21:1/5 to Peter Moylan on Sun Jan 26 16:01:57 2025
    XPost: alt.usage.english, alt.english.usage

    On 26/01/2025 11:42, Peter Moylan wrote:
    On 26/01/25 17:30, Rich Ulrich wrote:

    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.


    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.


    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From occam@21:1/5 to occam on Sun Jan 26 16:04:36 2025
    XPost: alt.usage.english, alt.english.usage

    On 26/01/2025 16:01, occam wrote:
    On 26/01/2025 11:42, Peter Moylan wrote:
    On 26/01/25 17:30, Rich Ulrich wrote:

    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.




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

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
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  • From lar3ryca@21:1/5 to Rich Ulrich on Sun Jan 26 14:29:33 2025
    XPost: alt.usage.english, alt.english.usage

    On 2025-01-26 00:30, Rich Ulrich wrote:
    On Sun, 26 Jan 2025 03:45:35 +0000, HenHanna <[email protected]>
    wrote:

    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.



    On Sun, 26 Jan 2025 0:02:18 +0000, Ken Blake wrote:

    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'.

    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."





    Here's a breakdown:
    Common Examples: Hand flapping, rocking, spinning, humming,
    repeating words or phrases, flicking fingers, and more.

    Why People Stim:

    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.

    It's crucial to remember:

    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.


    --
    Inoculatte (v): To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Rich Ulrich@21:1/5 to [email protected] on Sun Jan 26 20:10:42 2025
    XPost: alt.usage.english, alt.english.usage

    On Sun, 26 Jan 2025 10:56:31 +0000, Hibou <[email protected]d> wrote:

    Le 26/01/2025 à 03:45, HenHanna a écrit :

    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.

    --
    Rich Ulrich

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Aidan Kehoe@21:1/5 to All on Tue Jan 28 06:39:29 2025
    XPost: alt.usage.english, alt.english.usage

    Ar an séú lá is fiche de mí Eanair, scríobh Peter Moylan:

    On 26/01/25 17:30, Rich Ulrich wrote:

    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.

    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.

    --
    ‘As I sat looking up at the Guinness ad, I could never figure out /
    How your man stayed up on the surfboard after fourteen pints of stout’
    (C. Moore)

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
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