Driving Me Crazy
Some individuals with autism need vigilant 24-hour care to prevent dangerous or harmful behaviors. Family members, residential staff, and teachers comment occasionally about the stress caused by the need for constant monitoring. What are some of the issues related to autism that can drive caregivers crazy?
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The repetitive occurrence of challenging behaviors try to patience of those charged with the safety and well-being of people with autism. We can usually decrease hurtful or destructive behaviors over time, only to find that another challenge immediately pops up. It is difficult to maintain a calm, patient demeanor in the face of the need for continual, rigorous supervision.
Over the years, I’ve known individuals with autism who tore pages out of books, drank shampoo or laundry soap, swallowed paperclips and earrings, escaped out open doors, threw shoes across the room, pulled groceries off the shelf in the store, plopped down in the main entrance of stores, and pulled all the clothes off hangers in closets. Some of my friends squeeze the cat, take apart electronic devices, pinch or hit younger children in the family, or compulsively drink a dozen sodas. Other challenging behaviors include things like attempting to open the door of a moving car, unbuckling a seatbelt when the car is in motion, eating dog food, hiding the remote, stripping clothes off in public places, and refusing to ride in a car.
The complete list of potentially harmful behaviors could fill a book, and the strategies for addressing the behaviors could fill two books. The purpose of today’s podcast to raise the awareness of the scope of issues faced continually by caregivers of some individuals with autism, and to help those caregivers realize they are not alone when they become impatient or frustrated in the face of the need for 24-7 diligence.
TIP FOR THE DAY. Hang in there!
NOTE TO READERS AND LISTENERS: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certified music therapist and long-time friend of many folks with autism. At FAQautism.com we are committed to providing free, practical, everyday tips for making life better for people with autism. Feel free to send me a confidential email at talk@FAQautism.com with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solution. And don’t forget to check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. http://FAQautism.com
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