Autism and Self injury: A World of Its Own

The beautiful, blessed, but bizarre life of living with autism and self injurious behaviors
Everyday is different. You don't always know when or if the behavior will emerge. You could be having a great day and then, suddenly, you're walking down the street and a car alarm goes off, and now, we're on the ground, trying to prevent fists from flying into his head...sometimes all you can do is grab his hands, comfort him and survive the moment...then press on.

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[jennalah]

Where could I find one of those blue tubes?

[kgaccount]

@jennalah Google theraband tubing and it will direct you to site...get the highest level, I believe it's a 5, so it's harder to break while chewing...best of luck!

[Amajanshi]

Hi kgaccount, I've been diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome.

I dunno if you've known this, but there's evidence that deep pressure can help reduce anxiety and tension in many people on the Autism Spectrum. Temple Grandin actually has a paper published regarding the efficacy of the deep pressure effects of her "squeeze machine". Have you considered getting him a weighted blanket or "tight fitting" clothing?

I wish you the best in looking after your son.

[kgaccount]

@Amajanshi Hi, yes, deep pressure helps during mild to moderate SIB episodes, but isn't as effective during extreme SIB, if it's rooted in, let's say, pain, of any kind. But YES, absolutely, Temple Grandin showed the world how important it is for some ASD persons to have deep pressure, it's calming.

[mamalusk]

I once discussed SIB like this with a very good child psychiatrist and specialist on autism here in Norway, and she wondered if this kind of SIB might be almost like tics - and maybe treatable with medicine for Tourettes... What is your thoughts on that?

[kgaccount]

@mamalusk This kind of SIB is deeply rooted in severe autism disorder, which involves more severe neurochemical dysfunction than the higher functioning autistics, so it's more challenging to find drug therapies to target which areas of brain are fueling the SIB, since it's most likely multiple areas, then add to that, external factors like loud noises or him getting a blister, that will trigger SIB. Complex. As for medicine for Tourettes, depends what neotransmitters or receptors involved .

[TheAutumBlog]

By watching your videos, you can really tell that Jamie is a regular guy trapped inside the world of autism. It's like you can see it in his eyes that he's in there, just trapped.

[mikeymou]

God bless you and thank you for continuing to show the world that autism is not all special talents and genius IQ's!

[tlovullo]

My heart goes out to you! Have you tried contacting the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore which specializes in helping children with autism/developmental disabilities and severe problem behavior?

[quaker261]

my son has autism, hes 16 he can walk and talk do things himself, but finds it hard to socilasie and make freinds, and he cant cope in new situations or new places, it makes him cry, he can talk to people but finds it very hard. he speaks in a odd tone of voice. he can make it to the toilet on occasion but mainly when he wets and soils himself he remains obliviouse to it and doesent seem to notice or care. so we have to diaper him, sometimes he wont respond to his name, wat spectrum is he on?

[5scudder]

You are an amazing woman and I hope you remember that EVERY day.

[magroots21]

I know exactly what your going through. I have a 21yr old who has severe self injury. Doctors won't help because they cant fix it. Somebody got to start somewhere. Ive written to doctor shows on tv. No response trio to ucla no help there either. I am a single mom and go through what your you are just me and my son. It truly is a secluded and lonely world we live in because no one understands unless they cant live it. No answers no help nothing just you and your child trying to cope.

[Shoes454]

How come he doesnt like loud noises?

[varnlestoff]

Just strap a large pillow or plushy to the side of his face so he punches it instead. Then when he goes to sleep, he's already in position anyways.

[Aluapay]

It's as if the SIB is tourettes, he hates it but can't help it. I have tourettes and if I hear one more person say I can control it................

[kletcho96]

This is trebbly sad I hope and god could help him and problems