Hello, My five year old son hasn't been diagnosed with ASD (yet!) but definitely appears to have a number of traits (if that's the right word). He has cerebral palsy (unable to walk independently), no speech (uses Makaton and just started using PECS). He has a number of sensory issues and it is these which are driving me to distraction.
He bounces on his knees, flaps his arms, turns/rubs pages of books/magazines etc - this could go on for a LONG time (hours, I suspect) if I don't remove him from the situation/engage him in a.n.other activity. The bouncing and flapping pretty much continues throughout. There doesn't seem to be a pattern in regards to triggers - quiet/noisy, dark/bright etc. Historically he responded well to the use of a weighted blanket, ankle weights, body brushing/massage etc but nothing seems to work anymore. I hate seeing him like this - though he seems happy enough in himself. Nothing seems to engage him really - it's as if he's so busy being 'busy' that nothing else stands a chance.
Firstly, I realise it is MY problem but welcome any advice as to how I can learn to either help my son and/or learn how to manage my 'irritations'. I love him to pieces but can't watch him simply 'stim' (assuming this is what's going on) for every waking minute of the day. It's breaking my heart :-(
