I never “felt” emotions growing up but I did notice I’d stim a lot more or be more sensitive to sounds and touch. At first, I was terribly confused why there were certain times I’d stim to the point where I’d become stiff and sore. It wasn’t until later in life that I realized I was feeling an emotion and my body responded to emotions in a physical way instead of a typical emotions response like crying, smiling, laughing, etc.
I had to figure out which stims I do according to the emotion I’m feeling. I have a note on my phone with a list of stims and the most likely emotion associated with it so I can recognize when I’m feeling an emotion and I get really excited and proud of myself now when I’m able to immediately understand what emotion I’m feeling without having to deal with a stimming spiral. Is anyone else like this?