Thomas Gouard
Walking right next to me is my client who has Autism. If you look closely in the 5th picture on the Id card I’m holding you will have somewhat of an idea what he looks like. He is a chubby and lovable Jewish adult that has a great memory of dates and visual things that he sees. I spoke about him in How Can You Not Love Someone With Autism? talking about some of his behaviors and hobbies. One of the weekly activities that we do is either a walk around the neighborhood, or a walk around and indoor track. During our walks around the track he tends to be in his own little world, babbling out his favorite Disney movie quotes and counting down what is left of our laps around the track. Four Autistic characteristics that I encounter during or prior to our walks are his lack of awareness, repetitive routine, poor speech, and hyperactivity which I would like to share a few with you all.
Lack of Awareness: During our walks I tend to guide him around others on the track, or when we are outside on the roads I guide him while crossing the street because of his lack of awareness of his surroundings.
Difficulty with changes in routine: Another characteristic, is difficulty with changes in routine. Our walks are regularly around the same time of the day, which are based off of his normal routines. If there are any changes in his routines I may have some type of friction or either get a silent treatment, which is normally him not babbling out the quotes that he loves.
Poor speech or lack of it: Many times when I interrupt my client from his own little world it is like he does not know what I am saying, and I often have to repeat what I previously said. It is similar to being woken up from a dream. Many of us are not coherent until our brain kicks in during the morning.
Hyperactivity: There are times when my client gets this burst of energy out of know where in excitement. Depending on where we are located at, I have to tell him to use his indoor voice because it will cause others to wonder what is going on.
These are just four of the characteristics that I encounter, but I would like to share others that I have experienced as the time goes on.
I know it takes my engine a while to warm up in the morning…
Music helps mines warm-up. Some good ol Rock N Roll : )
that’ll get the blood pumping
And it has not failed me yet! I do not get in my shower unless there’s good music playing to get me fired up for the day. My day normally drags, if I don’t start my day with music.
at least you have a solution for that