Unlock Our Puzzled Mystery (Autism)

 

(Stimming) plays a key role in our home. Simple change in a routine can put my son into sensory overload. He is filled with anxiety which causes him to be dripping in sweat and become very fatigued. These meltdowns can range from 5 - 20 minutes at a time. These meltdowns can occur 2 to 3 times a day. I see PJ struggling with himself trying to control his meltdowns. Before his meltdown becomes full blown he babbles "don't hit, don't pinch, and don’t kick". He'll even tap this arm and say "nice hands". It's as if he has to remind himself of the behaviors that are not appropriate. In PJ's case his stimming (meltdown) is a safety issue. During his severe episodes he causes self inflicting pain by biting on his wrist, punching himself in the head and legs as he makes repetitive babbles (Echolalia)stomping his feet. Safety is our first priority as I assist him to gain control. He's attempted to turn his attention and frustration on me. I always stay arm's-length distance with my leg up to block any kicks. The aftermath of his meltdown is as if a hurricane has passed through our home. We've ended up with a broken window, holes in the wall and one in the door. I know he's sorry when I see the confusion on his face. I don't blame him for acting on his impulses. This is his only way of communicating since he’s non verbal. My Heart bleeds because I cannot protect him from his own internal struggles. I know he wants to engage and interact socially. I watch him play on the outside of others encouraging him to engage. In his mind he's playing right along with them. ASD is an isolating world where our children disconnect and withdraw. The disconnection can stem from unfamiliar places or people, noises. This is not the life that we wish for our children whom are growing and becoming stronger. With ASD some children tend to develop OCD, my son being one of them. OCD stops us from taking a simple outing.  For instance, going to the flea market, he'll kick every piece of the debris along the way. I am forced to purchase him a pair of shoes every 3 months due to him kicking everything. This repetitive action burns holes through the right front toe of is shoes. Linking arms with him can distract him from this behavior, but only for a minimum amount of time. There are other times where the obsession is just too strong and it just takes over.  At home he's up and down every 5 minutes. He’s looking for something to pick up off the floor, or to put something away. I can be in the middle of using something in the kitchen and before I know it’s gone. There's an 8 o'clock bedtime at my house, but there are nights I cannot go to bed till 2 AM. PJ struggles with bedtime. I can hear him making noises in his room or going back and forth to the bathroom at all hours of the night. This occurs not because he has to use the restroom, it occurs because he is trying to find little pieces of lent to throw in the garbage. We have video monitors, alarm's in our home so we can keep a close eye on him as he's wonders from room to room. I'm thankful for all the awareness of autism that is out there. Doctor’s & Researchers have been diligently trying to give our children a voice. They are trying to give our children the ability to communicate, socialize and simply calm their brains so they can focus on the task at hand. Were very blessed to have this opportunity to participate in this study the procedure is paid for with grants and federal funding. We will be responsible for the Hospital,  Airfare and Hotel stay. Together we can all unlock their hidden potential, It's time  Autism Speaks!