Help me understand

Post Reply New Topic

My ASD son, Lucas, is three as of 04-24-06. He is so beautiful and bright and loving and fun. I could give a million more "ands". The OT tells me he is seeking deep pressure input. He puts his hands or fists against his cheeks or jaws and presses making a kind of grunting noise. I almost don't notice until it affects those around us when we are say...at the grocery store. I give him whatever he needs or rather what I "think" he needs. Should I try to get him to stop doing this motion or leave him be. Did anybody else do this growing up and can you explain how it made you feel?
My baby is starting to talk...finally to hear mommy again. He spoke and then lost everything. He told me "EEEEEE" as he grabbed my ear last night when we were singing and signing Head-Shoulders Knees & Toes. So proud of him!! !!

Welcome. Someone here may know what to tell you. Your little one sounds like a very sweet child.

Thank you, I am very much hoping for some insight.

All through my childhood I have loved items that put pressure on me. I also like to creat that feeling of pressure by say pushing my hands against my head.

For me it is a comfort thing, something that makes me feel secure even in the most insecure of environments. For me it is a coping mechanism and it migh be the same for your son.

I think the best way with dealing with behaviour like this is to just to leave him be as he is happy and it really is only those who do not understand who are uncomfortable about his behaviours.

If you have any more questions please feel free to Private message me or email me.

Without seeing him, I would have no precise idea. I can only guess, in truth.

First, watch his eyes. What he is looking at interests him, unless he is looking inward for some reason. If he is, he may well be fearful (again, a guess). The desire for security is often
motivated by fear, and the desire for 'contact' involves reassurance. I would look, watch,
and listen before I did anything regarding censure (unless the child was doing something
dangerous to himself and others).

Secondly, (I'm thinking carefully. I do want to help) such behavior may well be transitory - or, it might not. I've enjoyed being rubbed as far back as I recall (roughly two or three years old). The stimulation imparted by certain types of contact - say, back rubs - almost puts me in another
world. To be touched says 'you are my friend'.

I hope this is of some help,

D. Y.

Temple Grandin built herself a hug machine based on the hydrolic squeezes they use in cattle yards. She said it makes her feel good.

I admit I quite like being squished gently - but not necessarily hugged by a person. Sometimes I like lots of blankets on the bed because they can give that sensation.