Matter of Degree
Autism does not have a monopoly on challenges and problems. Some individuals, whether they are diagnosed with autism or not, may rock or hum when they are relaxing or waiting. So, at what point does rocking or humming become a problem? The issue is often a matter of degree. For example, rocking becomes a problem when it is incessant, and humming becomes irritating when it is loud or nonstop.
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Some issues related to autism are also issues in the lives of more typical individuals. For example, many people have repetitive habits such as biting their fingernails, twirling their hair, making loud noises when they chew gum or food, or picking at their skin.
If we pay attention, we might catch ourselves singing the same song over and over again or talking to ourselves when trying to figure out how to solve a problem. We can inadvertently bring up a topic of conversation repeatedly, or we might irritate others with our rather obsessive interest in a certain person or issue.
Many “neuro-typical” people can have a narrow range of interests or prefer eating just three or four different foods. Just as a person with autism, we might have significant sensory sensitivities to certain textures or smells or sounds. Our lack of attention or our rambling conversations might get on the nerves of other people.
Although it is not always the case, autism often magnifies the intensity or frequency of these and other issues, sometimes to the point of making them exceptionally disruptive or potentially harmful. As we analyze various situations, we might want to remember that we may be looking at typical behaviors that have escalated a bit too far. We are often dealing with a matter of degree.
The final note: One of my obsessive interests is that of finding creative, simple solutions to issues that arise in the lives of individuals with autism. All you loyal FAQautism.com listeners and readers can help feed my obsession by spreading the word about FAQautism.com. Tell your family, friends, colleagues, and friends with autism about this free resource.
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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