Leaf picking

[Matt Woolstencroft]

Hi, may be completely unrelated & unimportant but I am curious haha. Does anybody else constantly pick leaves when walking somewhere?

I constantly have to focus on a leaf in my hand when out in public. I like shiny, thick one's like 'Cherry Laurel' leaves that are common in the UK. I fold near the stem and it makes a perfectly straight line due to the fact they are strong. Then the top, then the sides, then trough the middle and pick another one lol.

I have an assessment coming up soon for ADHD and ASD. Would this be a good example of my constant need to fidget? I have done this for as long as I can remember.

 

[Gritches]

I don't do so personally, but that would be an excellent example of your need to fidget, yes.

 

[tducey]

I have picked at leaves while outside. Don't know why I do it, just something I do.

 

[Tom]

By all means mention it. But I never heard of it before.

 

[Autistamatic]

ASD people are quite prone to "fidgety" and repetitive behaviours as a method of calming or focusing our minds. This leaf picking and folding could fall into that category.

 

[Pats]

If I'm outside, it might be a leaf, inside it might be something else to fidget with. Thankful for straw papers. Yes, I'd mention it.

 

[DCA]

I fidget with straw wrappers too sometimes!

If I'm outside my big one is my car keys. I have a switchblade key that I keep flipping back & forth in my pocket. I have other stims that are unusual but not unheard of but I'm not surprised by this. I wouldn't be surprised if I had done it in the past too before I was aware of where I am on the spectrum or even what stimming is.

 

[phoe]

I used to do it all the time, I also pick the large hollow stems of grass and snap them at 1/4 inch lengths. I was diagnosed with Aspergers at the age of 43

 

[Sashiengland]

I am obsessed with raking or picking up leaves. I have a hard time finding a stopping point UNLESS the neighbor comes outside.

 

[OkRad]

No. I have a thing for living things. It may be extreme, but I would not pick a leaf.

 

[Major Tom]

My son does the same thing with leaves and flowers. He's classically autistic.