Clue

Son #2 came home Friday early from school. He was having meltdowns he couldn't get under control. The weekend held more.This is the ugly side of Autism. Living with someone who can not talk is frustrating. 90% of the time, he can make his point, get his wants & needs expressed by taking your hand & leading you to the item, area or thing he wishes. The other 10% of the time, it's hell trying to figure out what he wants while he beats on his face, pinches his body all over making welts or runs his body into things in frustration. Sometimes there is pain. If you have a headache, you take an asprin. If your teeth hurt, you go to a dentist. For son#2, without words, there are hardly any signs to express at "2 years old" that your tummy hurts. The reason he is on medicine is because of the frustration that comes with non-verbal communication. He does not have that abilities to channel or control those frustrations & emotions. They overcome him & he acts out. Sometimes at us, mostly at himself. I understand completely. I may not know what he wants, but I get so frustrated from not knowing what's wrong, that I act out too. Autism is brutal some days. Those are the days you get looks. People stare. The grocery store is difficult, and church impossible. You become a detective following the clues. WHERE is he pinching? What area of his body? That is most likely what hurts. His belly? Gas? Constipation? How does he communicate that to us? He's walking on his very tip toes, that's the ultimate upset. He wails like a bale wolf, it pierces your eardrum & he hits his own jaws with his fists-HARD. His ears & cheeks are red like fire. Is that a clue it's his teeth? A cavity? A trip to the dentist will actually take place at a hospital most likely & he'll have to be put under to do any X-Rays, exams or anything else.

Those bad days are a guessing game. When you solve the puzzle--Son#2 did it, in the bathroom and constipation was the weapon used--it's a large victory.

A friend (thanks Tracey!) sent a video to me I want you to see & although, rap isn't really what many of you may like, watch & listen to the words please. This man's bio is as follows:
Sean Delaney is musician as well as a Direct Support Professional with the Special Needs Program in upstate New York. After spending several years working with adults with autism and other developmental disabilities, he felt compelled to speak to his generation. This song is a plea to his peers to open their eyes and encourage them to become more aware and involved with this rapidly growing population.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSdfCN5ewHY