23-9-2009 - The Face of Autism

My mood while writing this blog: Ok

As many of you know my son Hunter is mildly autistic ~ while most have seen him at his best. ESP since he is doing so well and learning so many skills to be successful :), There are those glimpses here and there that remind Dan and me of how in just a few seconds time things can change and our bright energetic happy little boy is suddenly someplace else for just a moment.

Hunter struggles with motor planning and sensory isses, along with communication. Typically his communication is effected because his ability to motor plan is compromised. I'll explain it better... I want to share a photo of Hunter taken a couple weeks ago.

Hunter and I were playing :) He was intrigued by the baby wipes box. I knew he wanted to get into it but he just stood there next to it unable to try to climb in, ask to get in.. etc etc.. I picked him up and placed him in the box sitting :) He was all smiles! I went and got the camera and took an adorable photo of him :) He sat and talked to himself for a while and just enjoyed his time in the box. I put the camera down and went about what I was doing.

I noticed that suddenly he turned and lowered his head. And zoned out. We see maybe 5-6 on average a day. Some days more some days less. I walked over to him and began to talk to him and no response. There was no sound, no nothing. What had happened is he was all done in the box. His motor planning issues caused him to be unable to communicate to me that he was done and wanted out. He was in an odd position and the overload in thinking about how to get out or ask to get out made it harder on him to sort out how to ask for help. He was unable to do anything.. no cry, no scream, no words, no sign language... Even though he wanted to. It caused a sensory overload and so he shut down for a bit to reorganize.

Wanting to and being unable to caused a sensory overload and so his eyes went blank. I watched him to see how long this one would last, they are typically 5 -8 secs. Some longer some shorter. This one seemed to go on for a while so I went and grabbed the camera again and took this photo ~ this one lasted about 20 seconds which is very long compared to others and why I was able to get it on camera. Then suddenly he snapped back and was with me again, as if it never happened. :) I got him out and he was all fine and happy :)

I wanted to share this because so many of you have heard me talk about his blank stares (they are sensory ~ seizures have been ruled out) But many havent seen them. I have other photos of him but this one really hits me ~ in moments like this it makes me very sad. But most of the time he does so well and I am so greatful for the blessings I have with him :)

Thanks for letting me share! :)
Huntersmomma Robin ~