Sensory Play and Stims

Ms. M writes: 

Hi Philip,

I have a question. Last night, E found a jar of Nutella. He played with it on the carpet. I know that it is a sensory thing. He also likes mashing bananas and anything creamy. Sometimes I give him a box with beans or rice in it so he can have his sensory play. But why does he like putting things on the carpet? And he keeps on repeating this.

Dear Ms. M,

I like that you are asking me about sensory play. I am a sensory seeker. I am a messy person too. I like to use all my senses to play. Maybe that is why I am most messy. I always want to teach myself through my senses. I am able to learn by using my senses. My manner of play is different than most kids. I am exploring my world by no one's standard. Play makes me happy in my own way so don't think it has to have a purpose. Good play makes all my senses aroused. For example, flowers are pretty to look at. They smell nice. They feel nice twirling in my hands. I even like their taste. I can be messy by leaving bits of flowers all over the house. Mom sometimes gets upset and makes me clean it.

My sensory play can also take me to a place in my mind. I can think more clearly. I am thinking about all the questions I have about life. God really speaks to me. Stimming is like a moat around a castle.  I surround myself with things to keep myself out of danger from sensory bombardment, which make me feel overwhelmed.  I zip along attentively looking for my favorite objects to stim on. Meaningful objects like flowers or my favorite happy wooden tapping stick attract my attention, keeping me from taking in every sensation. I peacefully manage my days this way.

I think your son is stimming on Nutella because it pleases his senses. It feels and smells and tastes good. I am not a fan of creamy textures so I can't answer for him. My advice is to try caring to understand that sensory play is important. You might try making mushy things to play with and let him play where it is allowed. Good luck.

Philip

At the Botanical Gardens July 2014

Copyright 2015 Philip Reyes.  All rights reserved.

Brain-Body Disconnect and How to Help

Mrs. H. writes: 

Philip, I have an autistic daughter who is now eleven years old.  I know she is intelligent because sometimes she says profound things, but she also does things sometimes which are not smart and are actually quite dangerous though we have been teaching her not to all her life, such as picking up a strangers food or drink and eating or drinking it, running away from us in a crowded place, or running into the street.  She also is very rough with our pets and small children.  I wondered if you had any insight as to why she does these things and how we can understand her and help her understand us when we try to teach her what is safe and not safe for her and others.

To Mrs. H, I also have this happen to me. I am a thinker. My care is for autistic people and making a better world for us. I can relate to your daughter.  I am attracted to certain things like leaves and flowers. I am drawn to their beauty. Part of me wants to be kind to nature but my impulsive mind wants to pick the flowers and twirl them in my hands. I can't seem to stop myself.  I see the flowers and I know I shouldn't pick them but my hands have a mind of their own. I feel badly. My mom has to remind me over and over not to pick the flowers. I can attack my impulse when someone can stop me with a word.  But a mean tone makes me want to do it more. Mean manners toward me hurt my feelings.  My answer to the question of what helps is to maintain calm and stay on top of our whereabouts. I am lacking impulse control to make my body obey my brain. It is frustrating. I am like an amputee with phantom limbs.  I seem to have limbs but I can't feel mine.  I have to see them to know they are there. I can feel them better when I move. My body doesn't feel like it belongs to me but my mind is mine. I am making an effort to make my body more obedient by meaningful activities like chores and bike riding. No person should meaninglessly live life. They should find their talent and master it. My message to parents is give us opportunities to practice our movements in a purposeful way. Help us make plans to use lots of muscle memory by going to the trouble of teaching hobbies and useful skills. Please be patient with us. I am managing my body as best as I can. No one wants to be a nuisance.

From, 

Philip

Exploring Nature in the Dominican Republic

Copyright 2015 Philip Reyes.  All rights reserved.

My Journey in Life by Guest Blogger Marianne Handoko

My journey in life.

I was born in the year of rat. My name is Marianne Handoko. I am the first child in my family. I have a brother named Shawn. I am autistic. I am different. I am not like the other children. I am the autistic girl in the family. I am so thankful nearly as mountain as high for being in my family. My parents love me unconditionally. My mum always advocates for me. My dad works extra hard everyday to support us. I am the lucky girl on earth to be a part of this family. Every minute every second I am thankful being born in this family.

Being different is not easy. It takes a lot of courage not to give up. Of emittance on a radiation east sun, it is some abnormally. Contrast is what it escalates to the regularity. An episode of being on the east side of the world did not instill irresistible figure. I decided to be myself although it is not always appropriate.

Be able to RPM-ing, I am so free. No other means of communication is as rewarding as RPM. Many thanks to mum, Soma, Elizabeth for the greatest gift one could ever receive.

Marianne.

Marianne Handoko is originally from Indonesia and now lives in Sydney, Australia.  Rapid Prompting Method (RPM) has given her a voice.