Bumps and Bruises

Self injury has go to be the most difficult thing for any parent to deal with. No one should ever have to watch the person they love the most, especially a child, cause pain to themselves.  Self injury can come in many forms, but Seth's form of choice has always been headbanging.  He has done this for as long as I can remember, it started at around 8 months of age.  Pinpointing why has been rather tricky.....It is a mix between frustration and sensory input.  Most of Seth's life, his head has had a bump and a bruise.  Some days he will headbang up to 10 times and some days one time or none at all.  If Seth has no way to headbang because he is in his carseat, he will find objects to hit his head with. He has used a toy car or even his own shoe.  When that fails him and he is left with nothing else, he will bite himself as hard as he can.  This has made me realize that pain gives him some kind of release, he feels as though he must to it when he gets upset, frustrated or loses control in a meltdown.  I just got a helmet for him 2 days ago, he hates it...hopefully he will get used to wearing it.  I just wanted to share a little bit of my son's struggle with self injury.  It is rare that I meet another parent dealing with something similar...I understand, I get it, I live it.  If you need advice, support or just an ear to listen....send me a message.  You are all in my prayers.

what the autism puzzle blog is all about!

    Autism is like a puzzle...a puzzle with missing pieces...no known cause or cure.  Just three years ago I didn't even really know anything about autism....my how life can change! Although alot still puzzles me, I believe knowledge is power and when Seth was diagnosed at 22 months old, I jumped into educating myself on how to help my child.  Though  I've read probably 25 books on autism, experience it the best teacher! I still have alot to learn and have days where I am totally lost in this new world I was thrown into, but  I have stories, thoughts, encouraging moments and some advice I have learned along the way.  Even just telling stories of day to day life can help other people to relate and feel like they are not alone in their life with an autistic child or children.  I hope that you can get something from my blog..even if it's just a laugh or a "me too!" moment!