new member... Hi! anyone experiencing this?

[vetmar41]

My son David is 23 years old. He is high functioning, but sometimes retreats into the world of television, as I'm sure many autistics do. Usually, this involves old reruns that he loves to watch. He is able to read, write, cook, etc., so I limit the TV watching. He also has a tendency to repeat what I say to him.. for example, If I ask him to take out the garbage, he'll say "take out the garbage,", then he will do it, then he will come back and say "I took out the garbage". Before he goes to the bathroom, he will say "I want to go to the bathroom". I've told him that he doesn't need to do this, but the habit is hard for him to break. I am grateful that he speaks so well, but notice that some of his statements seem rehearsed and repetitive. When he seems to retreat into his world of TV and movies, I can see it in his face, and I mention it to him. He will even tell me what show it is, and I ask him to try to focus on what he is doing, and come out of that "World". He tries, but it is difficult for him. I also have to monitor his food intake, as he has a voracious appetite. Otherwise, he has almost no outbursts, and is not at all self injurious. Any suggestions?

[AutMom]

Hello, My adult son also will say things he doesn't need to or ask about something he knows the answer to...maybe a bit of habit, and maybe some lack of confidence involved.

My son will watch certain shows, but he will also use the computer for internet & games, listen to music and take a break from all of those as well.

He also has a daily program during the week days where he gets out... Does your son have a program?

How often does he watch tv? When my son got real spacey from watching it too much in the past, we had to help him limit it. He agreed that it may not have been good for him to watch so much at that time.

Maybe your son needs some of that tv watching time to unwind or something. Maybe he is getting a benefit out of it.

[Kamex]

I am 17 and autistic. I have difficulty interpreting sentences, even if I can say them out loud, often in the correct tone of voice. However, by repeating them to myself, I will eventually be able to interpret what was said. So in regards to the garbage problem, this is probably his way of trying to understand what you are asking of him. I find that if the sentence includes less words in the first place, then I can interpret the sentence faster.

Saying "I have to go to the bathroom" is probably the result of spacing out over the years having an effect. Early on, we learn what is socially acceptable naturally. As we get older, it becomes harder. He missed out on a lot of his chance to learn how to act normal because he was stuck in space out mode, so he's learning now.

I too have spacing out problems. They are very frustrating, and I have yet to find an effective way to deal with them. I do, however, know that when I try and struggle to come to, it only makes the problem progressively worse, until I develop a bad headache. I also find that if I am under more stress, or am sick, I space out more. Try to find something that doesn't require too many attention resources, but is pleasant to him all the same, so that his stress level goes down (I use candy, but it depends on the person). It then should be easier for him to hear what you are saying. It also might help a bit to talk briefly about whatever he's thinking about (you may have to ask him to find out exactly what he's thinking about).

I think the TV is just his way of escape. Everyone needs a way to escape once in a while. So long as it isn't consuming his life, it shouldn't be a problem. I personally use video games as an escape, and would become very depressed were that ever taken away from me.

[vetmar41]

I can't thank you enough for responding...
My son was in a special program all of his life.. An excellent one.
However now, since he is over 21, there is a surplus involved, and for me to put him in the program as an adult, Medicaid wants a payment of $400 a month.
I can't do it now, so I am working with him at home. My husband left us last year, and I have two other children. My mother passed away last month, and the funeral expenses were high.
David spent a great deal of time with his grandmother, so he must also feel that void now. Yet he has never cried, or expressed any emotions about it, even at her bedside. I suppose that he might not be able to.
Thanks again for your opinions....keep in touch

Marie

[AutMom]

vetmar41, Does he ever want the tv off? My son goes through times when he wants it off.

[Butch01]

Hi, I'm Butch, a 28 year-old high-fucntioning autistic...sounds like I'm at an AA meeting...anyway, I have the same problem with repeating. It's not a habit, its an involentary reaction that can't be explained. when I was young, my speach theropist taught me to speak silently to my self. So, I'm constantly whispering to my self. I may repeat something I just heard or said, or maybe rehearsing something that I need to say. My family has learned to live with this, the real problem is strangers; they always think I'm talking to them or that I am just plain crazy.

As for the TV, you didnt specify what you mean by 'retreats'. Remember, autistics cant function the same way as normal people and we need an escape from the pressure of the outside world. Now, when he escapes, does he totally tune out the world around him? How does this effect his routine? Does he forget to eat or miss important events because of his TV watching? I would say, as long as he doesnt completely forget about the world around him, let him watch. I love TV, its very important to my daily structure, however, I still cook, clean and go to school on time. Also, when you limit, make sure your not keeping him from his favorite shows, if he really into a certain show, breaking that routine could be harmfull to his emotional health.

[QUOTE=vetmar41]My son David is 23 years old. He is high functioning, but sometimes retreats into the world of television, as I'm sure many autistics do. Usually, this involves old reruns that he loves to watch. He is able to read, write, cook, etc., so I limit the TV watching. He also has a tendency to repeat what I say to him.. for example, If I ask him to take out the garbage, he'll say "take out the garbage,", then he will do it, then he will come back and say "I took out the garbage". Before he goes to the bathroom, he will say "I want to go to the bathroom". I've told him that he doesn't need to do this, but the habit is hard for him to break. I am grateful that he speaks so well, but notice that some of his statements seem rehearsed and repetitive. When he seems to retreat into his world of TV and movies, I can see it in his face, and I mention it to him. He will even tell me what show it is, and I ask him to try to focus on what he is doing, and come out of that "World". He tries, but it is difficult for him. I also have to monitor his food intake, as he has a voracious appetite. Otherwise, he has almost no outbursts, and is not at all self injurious. Any suggestions?[/QUOTE]

[jadinuk]

Hi I am new to the forum. I have a 16 year old son (with aspergers)who is increasingly becoming more and more aggressive to me (he shouts and swears and says quite abusive things to me). I am quite frightened as to what he will do next and when his next outburst will be. He has always refused to acknowledge that he has aspergers and becomes more and more angry if the subject is brought up (I just don't even try anymore). I was wondering if you have aggressive outbursts and how you feel and what I should do to help him?