Something to keep nervous hands busy
08-29-2012, 02:55 AM
#21
Power Poster
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Alabama
Posts: 15,368
I have an autistic GS and an autistic great nephew. Is it possible that you could give him a ball of yarn with the end hanging out. Just a thought.
My stepson is autistic and when he gets nervous, or if there's a loose thread on a shirt or ANYTHING, he will mess with it and fuss with it until he's torn the garment or whatever apart into pieces. When he was younger, my husband said many days he would come home from school in a different shirt than what he wore to school.
He is turning 20 this Sunday, and I am thinking of making some potholder sized squares and then stitching fancy stitches in it and leaving the tails of the thread loose, so he can pick at these when he's nervous - what do you think?
He's been preoccupied with many things lately and obsesses over them, and has started tearing things up again. I've thought about doing this before but just haven't done it, and with his birthday coming up, I thought this might be a good thing to do.
I know one of you out there has autistic children - I would love to hear all of your opinions....
Thanks,
Gina in Kingwood TX
He is turning 20 this Sunday, and I am thinking of making some potholder sized squares and then stitching fancy stitches in it and leaving the tails of the thread loose, so he can pick at these when he's nervous - what do you think?
He's been preoccupied with many things lately and obsesses over them, and has started tearing things up again. I've thought about doing this before but just haven't done it, and with his birthday coming up, I thought this might be a good thing to do.
I know one of you out there has autistic children - I would love to hear all of your opinions....
Thanks,
Gina in Kingwood TX
08-29-2012, 03:46 AM
#23
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: S. W. Indiana
Posts: 7,484
I don't know if this would be of any help, but it possibly could. It is actually a quilt for patients with Alzheimer's, but
maybe making squares with different parts of the quilt for keeping his hands busy.
http://figjamandlimecordial.com/2011...nsory-blanket/
maybe making squares with different parts of the quilt for keeping his hands busy.
http://figjamandlimecordial.com/2011...nsory-blanket/
What I'm hearing is that this young man needs something WITH HIM AT ALL TIMES to fiddle with. The little squares sound like a great idea.
08-29-2012, 04:28 AM
#24
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Portage, Michigan
Posts: 7,797
I would talk with his "teacher" or other professional that is helping him develop coping skills. Share you ideas that you shared with us and get his or her input. You may have struck on a good idea or you may need to modify it just a bit to me most effective. It all depends on the autistic individual. Your aim is to help and that individual should have ideas of how you can do that.
08-29-2012, 04:36 AM
#25
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posts: 1,389
Ask his teacher or therapist, they probably have taken data about his picking at things and how it effects his anxiety level. As a speech pathologist, I have seen some behaviors that are soothing and some that increase anxiety. Heavy blankets and clothing are often very soothing, so creating a thick quilt might be a great idea. Good Luck.
08-29-2012, 04:45 AM
#26
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,354
I think it is a great idea, but since it is meant to be therapeutic, I agree with most on the board, you should consult a professional, such as his teacher, who works with him. Who knows maybe they are working on him to be less obsessive about this habit and this might just reinforce his old pattern. Best wishes to you and your family.
08-29-2012, 05:28 AM
#28
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Tallmadge, OH
Posts: 5,120
My 11-year-old granddaughter is autistic. She has her little spells when she just has to walk, so she goes into another room and walks and talks to herself. When she feels better, she comes out. I think yours sounds like a good idea for him. Do it.
08-29-2012, 05:44 AM
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: down on the farm, Western NY
Posts: 502
My son is 21 and he's a pacer and talks to himself. A wonderful man told me once, "Mom, when it's right you'll know it and until then keep searching". Make a square with threads and tell him what it's for and that you'll make as many as he wants. He might even want to help pick the colors. He picks at his clothes because that's what's always avalible to him. This would be a substitute that's ok to pick at. It's about self modification and helping to make good choices. We're still working at it and will for a long time to come and it's ok because we're still making progress.
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